Another Arizona Group Home Teen Vanishes for Over a Year, Authorities Alerted

MESA, Ariz. — The Mesa Police Department is currently investigating the disappearance of 17-year-old Veronica Cruz, who went missing from a group home on May 18, 2024. This incident marks another case from the same facility linked to previous tragedies, including the murder of Emily Pike.

According to officials, Cruz was last seen around 4:55 p.m. on the day she went missing. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has indicated that she may still be in the Mesa area or could have traveled to Casa Grande or Eloy.

The staff at the group home notified Mesa PD shortly after Cruz’s disappearance. In a statement to 12News, the group home’s CEO claimed that Cruz is safe, although she could not confirm the identity of those with her or her current location. Cruz is set to turn 18 next month.

Privacy concerns prevent 12News from disclosing the name of the group home, as it continues to house minor children. Mesa PD highlighted the importance of verifying Cruz’s safety. They must ensure she is with a guardian before officially closing the case.

Detective Brandi Myers stated, “Because she is under 18, an investigator would need to physically see that she is okay. Due to her age, she would have to be taken to her guardian and not just released.” She urged anyone who might have information regarding Cruz’s whereabouts to come forward.

The Mesa PD has reported 30 missing persons cases from this group home over the last three years, alongside 89 service calls during that time. In light of these statistics, a spokesperson from the Department of Child Safety (DCS) emphasized the requirement for group homes to inform them whenever a child goes missing. However, they did not provide specifics about Cruz’s situation.

DCS has initiated a licensing inquiry into the group home, following events surrounding Emily Pike’s tragic case. They expressed their shock over Pike’s murder and their commitment to supporting law enforcement efforts. “We have opened a licensing inquiry to determine whether appropriate steps were taken by the group home during this incident,” the statement concluded.

Emily Pike, just 14 years old, vanished on January 27 after leaving the same group home. Her remains were discovered on February 14, leading to national outrage and raising awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. The investigation into her death remains active, with no arrests or identified suspects to date.

This week, the Gila County Sheriff’s Office announced the formation of a task force, collaborating with agencies like the FBI and BIA, to investigate Pike’s murder. A centralized tip line has been established for anyone with information, and a reward of $75,000 is being offered for relevant tips in her case.