The Arizona Department of Child Safety has launched a licensing inquiry into the Mesa group home where Emily Pike lived at the time of her disappearance.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Pike, a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, was reported missing in late January. She was last seen walking near Phoenix before investigators found most of her remains, but some have yet to be recovered.
Pike lives at the group home when she vanished from the Mesa area. Her former roommate told the media that Pike had a history of running away, and that she vanished after wanting to be with a boy
Weeks later, investigators discovered the dismembered body of the 14-year-old off U.S. 60.
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.
ABC15 reports that the Department of Child Safety (DCS) did not place Pike in the group home; the state did. DCS has since opened a licensing inquiry into the facility.
DCS sent ABC15 an email statement that included, in part, the following:
“At this time, the Department does not believe any action taken, or not taken, by the group home caused the terrible outcome in this case. We have opened a licensing inquiry to determine whether appropriate steps were taken by the group home during this incident.”
Meanwhile, the search for the victim’s killer continues, according to officials from the sheriff’s office.
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 Apache Tribal Police at 928-475-1755.
Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo via Mesa police]
