Memorial for slain Indigenous teen removed in Mesa

Memorial for Slain Arizona Teen Emily Pike Taken Down

A memorial for slain Arizona teen Emily Pike has been removed in Mesa. Advocates are now seeking a permanent memorial.

According to Arizona’s ABC 15, the memorial was located at the intersection of Mesa Drive and McKellips Road. It was set up after the discovery of 14-year-old Emily’s remains in February.

It was initially unclear who removed the memorial or why. The city of Mesa stated that its officials were not involved.

Property Owner’s Statement

FOX 10 Mesa reports that the property owner, who did not want to be interviewed, said he took down the memorial because no one had permission to place it there. He left the items in a bin, unsure of who to contact for their return.

Emily’s advocates continue to seek answers in her case. They believe the memorial helps keep her memory alive and raises public awareness.

Some supporters returned to the site on January 2. They added balloons, teddy bears, and garlands.

“They took all her things out of the trash, and they put them back up,” said advocate Celeste Bonito-Nash. “This memorial keeps Emily Pike’s name in their mouth. This keeps her alive.”

Details of Emily’s Case

As reported by CrimeOnline, police found some of Emily’s dismembered remains on Valentine’s Day. They were stuffed in trash bags along U.S. 60, northeast of Globe. Some of her remains have not been found.

Emily was last seen alive on January 27 near Mesa Drive and McKellips Road after leaving a group home.

For her safety, social workers had removed Emily from her mother’s custody due to a family member’s alleged sexual assault.

Court documents obtained by FOX 10 show that Emily ran away three times in 2023. She expressed dissatisfaction with life at the group home and pleaded not to return. She reportedly attempted suicide while there.

Rewards for Information

Following her death, the FBI announced a reward for information about her case. “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,” said FBI spokesperson Kevin Smith.

The FBI’s announcement on May 7 came after a meeting between FBI Director Kash Patel and Emily’s family. 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. This law will create a “turquoise alert” system for missing Indigenous people.

The San Carlos Apache Tribe is also offering a $75,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case.

A task force was formed shortly after the tribe’s reward announcement.

Investigation Assistance

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office and the San Carlos Apache Police Department have set up an online tip portal for anonymous tips through tips411. 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.

Emily’s family hopes the city will consider a permanent memorial. Advocate Jared Marquez reminded the public of how authorities found her remains. “Think about this case specifically and how she was left in trash bags and all that,” he said.

“It’s one thing to clean up and remove the whole thing. But you left it in a trash can, so her picture can be seen, so her stuff can be seen, to let the community know that her memorial is not wanted.”