The Tragic Case of Emily Pike: A Call for Justice in the MMIWG2S Crisis
- authenticwriting19
- Jun 23
- 4 min read
Introduction: A Life Cut Short
The brutal murder of Emily Pike, a 14-year-old Indigenous girl from the San Carlos Apache Tribe, has sent shockwaves through Indigenous communities and human rights organizations across North America. Her disappearance and subsequent discovery—her dismembered remains found in garbage bags in a remote area—highlight the systemic failures in protecting vulnerable Indigenous youth, particularly those placed in state-run group homes.
Emily’s case is not an isolated tragedy. It is part of a larger epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S), a crisis that has persisted for decades due to institutional neglect, racial discrimination, and jurisdictional failures. This article examines who Emily Pike was, the circumstances surrounding her death, the ongoing efforts to bring justice, and how individuals can help.
Who Was Emily Pike?
Emily Pike was a San Carlos Apache teenager who had been placed in a group home in Mesa, Arizona, due to challenges in her home environment. Her family had expressed concerns about her placement, believing that she would be safer with relatives rather than in a state-run facility.
Emily had reportedly been a victim of sexual assault on the reservation before her placement in the group home. Her family believes that unresolved trauma contributed to her struggles, and they had attempted to take her in to provide a safer environment. However, she remained in the system, where she continued to face difficulties.
Her history of running away from the group home was well-documented. In September 2023, police body camera footage captured Emily pleading with officers not to return her to the facility, stating that she wanted to stay with her grandmother. Despite her protests, she was repeatedly sent back to the group home, which was operated by Sacred Journey Inc..
Emily’s case underscores the failures of the foster care system, particularly in handling Indigenous children who have experienced trauma. Her repeated attempts to escape the group home suggest that she felt unsafe, yet her concerns were dismissed by the authorities.
What Happened to Emily Pike?
Emily was reported missing from her group home on January 27, 2025. A month later, on February 14, her dismembered remains were discovered in garbage bags in a remote area near Forest Road 355, close to the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation.
Investigators believe Emily may have left the group home to meet someone, but the details of what happened between her disappearance and her death remain unclear. Despite multiple search warrants and forensic testing, no arrests have been made.
The FBI and the San Carlos Apache Tribe have offered a combined $175,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. However, the investigation has been slow-moving, with authorities struggling to piece together the events leading to Emily’s murder.
Her case has raised serious concerns about the safety of Indigenous youth in state-run facilities, as well as the lack of urgency in investigating crimes against Indigenous women and girls.
Ongoing Efforts for Justice
Emily’s murder has sparked vigils, protests, and legislative discussions about the safety of Indigenous youth in state-run group homes. The San Carlos Apache Tribe has demanded stricter regulations for residential facilities and better protections for Indigenous children placed in state care.
Community members have also organized memorial events to honor Emily and raise awareness for other missing and murdered Indigenous individuals. Activists continue to push for policy changes that improve law enforcement responses to MMIWG2S cases.
Some of the key demands from Indigenous leaders include:
Improved oversight of group homes – Ensuring that facilities housing Indigenous children are properly regulated and held accountable for safety violations.
Better coordination between tribal and state authorities – Addressing jurisdictional conflicts that often delay investigations into missing Indigenous persons.
Increased funding for Indigenous-led initiatives – Supporting tribal law enforcement agencies and community programs that focus on preventing violence against Indigenous women and girls.
Despite these efforts, justice for Emily remains elusive, and her family continues to fight for answers.
The Broader MMIWG2S Crisis: Statistics and Systemic Failures
Emily’s case is part of a larger epidemic affecting Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people across North America. The statistics paint a grim picture:
In 2016, there were 5,712 reported cases of missing Indigenous women and girls in the U.S., yet only 116 were recorded in the Department of Justice database.
Four out of five Native women experience some form of violence in their lifetime.
Indigenous women face murder rates more than 10 times the national average.
Homicide is the third leading cause of death among Native girls and women aged 10 to 24, and the fifth leading cause of death for Native women aged 25 to 34.
Indigenous women make up 16% of all female homicide victims in Canada, despite Indigenous people comprising only 4.3% of the population.
Indigenous women are twice as likely to experience violence from a current or former partner compared to non-Indigenous women.
These statistics underscore the urgent need for systemic reform and increased protections for Indigenous communities.
How Individuals Can Help
While systemic change requires government action, individuals can contribute to the movement in several ways:
Raise Awareness – Share Emily’s story and advocate for stronger protections for Indigenous youth.
Support Indigenous Organizations – Donate to groups like the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (NIWRC) and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women USA (MMIW USA).
Demand Policy Changes – Contact lawmakers to support legislation that strengthens protections for Indigenous women and Two-Spirit individuals.
Attend Vigils and Events – Participate in community gatherings that honor victims and demand justice.
Report Information – If you have knowledge about Emily’s case, contact law enforcement or tribal authorities to help bring justice.
Conclusion: A Call for Justice
Emily Pike’s tragic death is a painful reminder of the vulnerabilities Indigenous youth face within the foster care system and beyond. While her family and community continue to seek justice, her case underscores the urgent need for systemic change.
By raising awareness, supporting advocacy efforts, and demanding accountability, we can help ensure that Emily’s story is not forgotten—and that no more Indigenous lives are lost to violence and neglect.