San Carlos Apache Community Mourns as Emily Pike is Laid to Rest

PERIDOT, Ariz. — A memorial service for a San Carlos Apache teen was held on Sunday at San Carlos High School as her family and community continue to seek answers surrounding her tragic death.

Emily Pike, remembered fondly by those who knew her, was laid to rest in her hometown. Hundreds attended the service, gathering in the school gymnasium to honor her memory. “Emily was a bright, smart girl with a kind heart,” said her aunt, Carolyn Pike Bender. Her infectious enthusiasm resonated with family and friends who described her love for butterflies and sparkly things.

The circumstances surrounding Pike’s death remain unresolved. She was violently killed earlier this year after leaving a group home, with her remains discovered in a remote area near Globe on Valentine’s Day. The pain of her loss has reverberated throughout the San Carlos Apache Reservation and beyond.

Kristopher Dosela, a leader within the Redrum Motorcycle Club, emphasized the tight-knit nature of Indigenous communities. “We look out for our own and take care of each other,” he stated, reflecting on the collective grief. Cliff Matias, the International President of the club, highlighted the systemic issues surrounding cases like Pike’s, noting that she disappeared for a month without any substantial progress in the investigation.

Bender shared that their goodbye feels incomplete without the justice her family seeks. “We cry because we’re feeling the pain, and that’s when everything gets quiet,” she expressed, conveying the profound sense of loss. Pike’s cousin, Celena Rustin, added, “She would always have a smile on her face. We’ll always remember her.”

In response to the lack of leads, the San Carlos Apache Tribe is now offering a $75,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this case. Community members are urged to come forward if they have any information, with contacts provided for the Gila County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies.