The San Carlos Apache tribe is urging state leaders to investigate and impose stricter regulations on state-licensed residential group homes for children. This call to action follows the tragic murder of 14-year-old Emily Pike, who ran away from a group home in January and was later found dead.

Emily was placed at Sacred Journey, Inc., a residential child care center in Mesa, by the San Carlos Tribe’s Social Services Department. Chairman Terry Rambler expressed the need for accountability, stating, “This crime must not go unsolved.” He emphasized the heinous nature of the crime and called for justice for Emily.

On January 27, Emily was last seen near Mesa Drive and McKellips Road. The Mesa Police Department declared her a missing or runaway juvenile just two days later. Tragically, on February 14, her remains were discovered in a remote area off U.S. Route 60 outside Globe.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office is currently conducting an ongoing homicide investigation, collaborating with the San Carlos Apache Tribal Police, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the FBI. Rambler announced a $75,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Emily’s death, appealing to the public for additional contributions to increase the reward.

The San Carlos Apache Tribal Council has officially requested an investigation into Sacred Journey and is advocating for legislative reforms regarding state-licensed youth group homes. The council highlighted similar incidents involving other children from the same group home, with approximately 30 reported runaways over the past three years.

Rambler questioned the safety of these other children, asking, “Are they all safe and accounted for?” He argued that the state should conduct a thorough review that extends beyond the current homicide investigation. He appealed to Governor Katie Hobbs, who has a background in social work, to implement necessary reforms to ensure child safety in group homes across Arizona.

The tribe has also requested Attorney General Kris Mayes to investigate the circumstances surrounding Emily’s unauthorized departure from Sacred Journey. According to Rambler, the investigation should evaluate the safety, security, licensing, and operational standards of these facilities to prevent future unauthorized exits.

Legislative support for House Bill 2281, which seeks to establish a Missing Indigenous Person Alert System, has also been requested by the tribal council. The situation has spurred wider calls for scrutiny into group home regulations, with Senate Health and Human Services Committee Chair Carine Werner echoing the need for an investigation.

Werner expressed her condolences to those affected by Emily’s tragic death. She stated that Senate Republicans are gathering information to help prevent future tragedies and that a bipartisan hearing will be convened to review procedures and policies aimed at ensuring the safety of children in group homes. This examination is fundamental to addressing systemic issues and determining necessary reforms in these facilities.