A substantial reward of $200,000 is still being offered for any leads in the murder case of Emily Pike. This comes as friends and family held a vigil on Sunday to commemorate almost a year since she disappeared from a group home in Mesa.
As reported by FOX 10, the community gathered on Sunday evening for a candlelight vigil at a spot near Mesa Drive and McKellips Road in Mesa. This location has become a lasting tribute to the young indigenous girl, marking the last place she was seen before her tragic death.
“It’s difficult for me to be here today, realizing that it has been a year and this mystery remains unsolved,” shared Kristopher Dosela, a family member. “I truly believe we must continue to speak her name to ensure this case is closed.”
According to earlier reports from CrimeOnline, Emily’s partially dismembered remains were discovered on Valentine’s Day last year, hidden in trash bags along U.S. 60, northeast of Globe. Some parts of her body are still missing.
Emily was last spotted alive on January 27, near Mesa Drive and McKellips Road, shortly after escaping from the group home.
As of now, there have been no arrests made in connection with her murder.
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“That little girl cried and called for her mom. She cried and called for her grandma,” Pike family advocate Jared Marquez said. “That should be a call to all mothers. That should be a call to all women that this little girl needs help, and she needs justice.”
Reward for Information
Following her death, the FBI announced a reward for information leading to any culpable parties.
“The FBI is now offering a reward of up to $75,000 for any person providing independently verifiable information identifying the individual(s) responsible for her disappearance and murder,” FBI spokesperson Kevin Smith said in an email to AZ Central.
The FBI’s announcement on May 7 followed a meeting between FBI Director Kash Patel and Emily’s family, where Patel committed to raising awareness and pursuing answers in her case.
Governor Katie Hobbs announced an additional $25,000 reward in April, during a ceremonial bill signing for Emily’s Law, which will create a “turquoise alert” system for missing Indigenous people.
The San Carlos Apache Tribe is also offering a $75,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest in the case.
“Our systems have failed this young girl,” Marquez added. “And we want change. We want answers.”
Information can also be reported to the Sheriff’s Office at 928-425-4449, option 1, or the San Carlos Apache Police Department at 928-475-1700.
Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Emily Pike/Handout]
