Tribe asks for group home reform after murder of teen

PHOENIX — After a 14-year-old member was murdered and dismembered, with her remains thrown in the desert, the San Carlos Apache Tribe is calling for tighter regulations on state-licensed group homes.

Emily Pike was a resident of a group home in Mesa when she left the facility without permission around Jan. 27, the tribe said. On Feb. 14, her dismembered remains were found about 100 miles away in trash bags, officials said. 

“We respectfully request Governor Hobbs, given your background in social work, take all steps necessary to implement reforms in group homes to ensure the safety of children is a top priority of your Administration,” San Carlos Apache Tribe Chairman Terry Rambler said.

In a resolution recently passed by the San Carlos Apache Council, the tribe also asked Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes to investigate the circumstances in which Emily left the group home. 

“This investigation should carefully review the safety, security, monitoring, licensing and operational standards for group homes and determine how these could be strengthened to prevent children from leaving their care without permission,” Rambler said. “We ask that your recommendations be presented to the Legislature to be considered in appropriate legislation that is named in honor of Emily Pike.”

In a statement, Mayes’ office said the attorney general “is deeply saddened by the heinous murder of Emily Pike” and the agency “has reached out to local law enforcement to offer any assistance in their investigation – and is reviewing the resolution made by the tribe.”

The tribe also requested that the legislature pass House Bill 2281, which would create a missing Indigenous person alert system. 

“We appreciate Representative Martinez and her co-sponsors, Reps. Brian Garcia, Mae Peshlakai and Myron Tsosie for introducing HB2281. I look forward to your support in passing and signing this bill into law,” Rambler said.

There have been no arrests in Emily Pike’s murder. The tribe is offering $75,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for her death. 

“We have requested the public to supplement the reward to generate more interest and leads,” Rambler said. “This crime must not go unsolved. Emily was murdered in a cruel, depraved and heinous act and the perpetrator(s) must be held accountable.”