A mother fondly recalls her late teenage daughter as “incredibly joyful and compassionate” following the recent discovery and identification of her remains in Arizona. Last Thursday, Feb. 27, the Gila County Sheriff’s Office made a public statement on Facebook revealing that the remains of an “unnamed female” had been found on Feb. 14 off Forest Service Road near Hwy 60 N. Mile post 277. A joint effort between the GCSO and San Carlos Apache Tribe swiftly determined that the deceased was a child previously reported missing by the Mesa Police Department, as per the release. The MPD later updated a missing-person alert on social media for 14-year-old Emily Pike, confirming that she had been “found deceased” and that the GCSO was conducting an active investigation. Pike was last seen on Jan. 27 at 7:45 pm local time wearing a pink and gray shirt, having left her home on foot near Mesa Drive and McKellips Road. Speaking to local CBS affiliate KPHO, Emily’s mother Steff Dosela described her daughter as “a remarkably happy and kind individual” who had a passion for painting, art, and drawing with aspirations of pursuing the arts in college. Although the family resides on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation, Emily was residing at a group home in Mesa at the time of her disappearance, Dosela informed the outlet. Dosela recalled, “Her case manager eventually came a week later to inform me that she was missing,” speaking to KPHO. In the Facebook release, the GCSO disclosed that they were collaborating with various law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate all leads and evidence in the case. Anyone with pertinent information is urged to reach out to the Gila County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, or the San Carlos Apache Tribal Police. “This is an active homicide inquiry,” the GCSO stressed. “Sheriff J. Adam Shepherd extends our sincerest condolences from the Sheriff’s Office to the loved ones of the young victim.” Detectives discovered the victim’s remains in large contractor trash bags, with her legs and hands missing, according to preliminary autopsy findings that indicated visible head and facial injuries. While the GCSO and MPD did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for additional details on Sunday, March 2, Dosela mentioned that detectives had conducted a DNA test to confirm her daughter’s identity. “Why did it have to come to this? She was merely an innocent… she was a child. [It’s] a pain that I pray no other mother should endure,” she expressed to KPHO. Dosela also disclosed to the outlet that authorities had identified “three persons of interest,” although she was unaware of their identities at that time. As the investigation continues, authorities have refrained from divulging any information regarding potential suspects. “You will always be remembered. I love you,” Dos
Police stated that Pike had a history of running away as they continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, according to KPHO. Foster care advocates are planning to adorn street poles near the location where Pike was last seen alive with yellow ribbons on Sunday in her honor, as reported by KPHO. Anika Robinson, whose nonprofit organization began assisting the teenager in 2023, expressed her concern for the well-being of the staff and girls in Pike’s home following the tragic event. Robinson emphasized the common occurrence of children placed outside their homes longing for independence and escaping, highlighting the love and desire for closure from Pike’s family and extended relatives.
