For the first time since police found Emily Pike’s dismembered remains, a Mesa group home manager addressed questions about safety protocols at the facility.
According to AZ Family, the Mesa Police Department confirmed Pike ran away from the group home on January 27. Her remains were later discovered in trash bags off U.S. 60 in eastern Arizona on Valentine’s Day.
So far, no arrests have been made.
Last week, Mesa police revealed that 30 children had gone missing from this particular group home in the past three years. They also noted that Emily had run away before.
When asked whether the children were still missing or accounted for, the group home manager told AZ Family’s True Crime Arizona that the children had been accounted for.
“No, there are not 30 missing children from our home. All of our children who have been reported missing have been accounted for. Those children who did not return to the home were placed in other facilities for many different reasons including a higher level of care for their safety. Safety always comes first.”
The manager went on to say that children run away for various reasons, including “missing their friends, because they are not used to following rules and structure, because they have mental health conditions etc.”
Read the full interview here.
Meanwhile, the search for the teen’s killer continues.
The Gila County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) reportedly said there is currently no solid persons of interest or suspects at this time, but they do have surveillance video that could assist in the investigation. Officials noted they are generating leads and receiving tips but could not disclose additional details.
Information regarding Pike’s death leaked to the public late last month via a memo from Gila County police and social media. The memo indicated that Pike’s head and torso were found in bags. Her arms and hands are reportedly still missing.
An autopsy indicated she suffered facial and head trauma.
“That is one of the big focuses of the investigation is what happened between the end of January and then February 14 when she was discovered,” Lt. Jim Lahti told 12News in an interview.
Anyone with information regarding this case should call Gila County police at 928-200-2352, the Bureau of Indian Affairs at 505-917-7830, or the San Carlos
Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo via Mesa PD]
