A lasting tribute is being established to honor the memory of 14-year-old Emily Pike, an Indigenous girl from Arizona whose tragic death occurred in February.
Stephanie Dosela, Emily’s mother, expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the plans to create a permanent memorial, following the recent removal of a temporary tribute. This decision was reported by NBC’s 12 News, highlighting Dosela’s gratitude for a dedicated space to remember her daughter.
The permanent memorial will be located in Mesa’s Fitch Park and will include both a commemorative bench and a tree planted in Emily’s honor.
Initially, a temporary memorial had been set up at the intersection of Mesa Drive and McKellips Road, where Emily’s remains were discovered in February 2025. This initial tribute had remained in place for several months, as previously reported by CrimeOnline.
However, according to FOX 10 Phoenix, the property owner at that location removed the memorial, citing a lack of prior authorization for its placement. The owner stated that he placed the items in a bin, unsure of whom to contact for their retrieval.
Stephanie Dosela expressed her gratitude through a statement, saying, “I am very grateful for the assistance of the City of Mesa who graciously approved the establishment of a permanent memorial that will honor my daughter, Emily Carla Pike.”
“Her legacy will continue to raise awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous People.”
Emily was last seen alive January 27, 2025, near Mesa Drive and McKellips Road, after fleeing a group home.
Police found some of Emily’s dismembered remains on Valentine’s Day, stuffed in trash bags and left along U.S. 60, northeast of Globe. Some of her remains have never been found.
No arrests have been made.
In addition to the permanent memorial, an ADOT highway memorial will be placed at milepost 277, north of Highway 60.
“We feel that Fitch Park is a great location which is less than a mile from where Emily went missing,” Emily Pike’s uncle, Pike Jr., said, according to AZ Central.
“We want to thank all of the advocates, community members, tribal leaders and general public for their continued support.”
Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Emily Pike/Handout]
