Remembering Emily Pike one year later

MESA, Ariz. (CRONKITE, KYMA) - Emily Pike was just 14-years-old when she went missing from a group home in Mesa, Arizona last year.

This past Valentine's Day marked one year since her remains were found.

"Smart, intelligent, and even though she's gone, she made a positive, positive impact on this world," said Alfred Pike, Pike's uncle.

One year later, that's how Pike's family wants her to be remembered.

Pike's name now part of a much larger conversation about missing and murdered indigenous people in Arizona.

"It's just a reminder to everybody that all lives matter, our lives matter," Alfred expressed.

Pike's case remains unsolved, and advocates say her death exposed cracks in the system with foster care and group homes. They say those gaps still need to be closed.

She was a teenager in child welfare, living in a group home before she was murdered. Her body left in trash bags off the U.S. 60 near Globe.

"We still have a purpose to share her name, because that murder is still out there, and we still need justice nationally, you know, and worldwide. So I feel like her name is a stepping stone worldwide," said Elisia Manuel, founder of Three Precious Miracles.

Manuel says many, like Pike, are placed in group homes, and too often without the cultural connection they need.

"These kids are craving their culture, and it's not being provided," Manuel remarked.

Now, she goes into group homes weekly, hosting talking circles, workshops, and cultural trainings for both kids and house parents.

She says the gap isn't just policy. It's connection.

She's asking for more native foster homes, better access to resources, and support for families before children are removed.

"Anyone who works with a young person must be trained, they have to know how to build rapport. They have to know how to prevent violent things from happening to young people," said Mary Kim Titla, Executive Director of United National Indian Tribal Youth.

This is something Alfred wished had happened for his niece.

"Just pay attention to people leaving home and staying in contact with them, making sure that they're okay," Alfred explained.

"We must remain vigilant. We owe it to her," Titla added.

A year later, Pike's name still carries weight. Not just as a memory, but as a reminder to protect native children in Arizona.

The case remains unsolved and agencies are offering monetary rewards for information that leads to an arrest in Pike's case.

Investigators have encouraged anyone with information to contact to the Gila County Sheriff's Office or report tips to the FBI.