Emily Pike, 14, sneaks away from the group home where she lives. When she does not return,

Mesa police are contacted, and she is reported missing. Her mother is not informed until she has been missing for a week. Police say the group home is responsible for notifying her case manager, who would then contact Pike’s family or tribe. Authorities post her picture on social media, print flyers, and alert the media, stating that Emily Pike is missing and may have run away.

Nearly a month after Pike disappears, the Gila County Sheriff’s Office reports that searchers found the remains of an unidentified female in a wooded area near U.S. 60, about 20 miles northeast of Globe, Arizona. The remains are difficult to identify but appear to belong to a missing Native American girl. Within 24 hours, authorities confirm the remains are those of 14-year-old Emily Pike.

The Gila County Sheriff’s Office reports that detectives found the head and torso in large contractor trash bags, while the legs were in separate bags. Investigators search the area but do not find the arms and hands. This information, meant for law enforcement only, reaches friends and family without warning.

A preliminary autopsy report notes visible trauma to Pike’s face and head. Authorities do not find clothing, jewelry, or identification with the remains. The cause of death remains undetermined. Investigators believe someone killed Pike elsewhere before dumping her dismembered remains. Her arms and hands remain missing.

The sheriff’s office says investigators recovered surveillance footage from Mesa, where Emily was last seen alive, but have not found footage from the rural area where her remains were discovered. Officials urge anyone with information to come forward.

The San Carlos Apache Tribe is offering a $75,000 reward for information leading to Pike’s killer.

Joining Nancy Grace today:

Special Guest

Allred Pike Jr. – Emily’s Uncle

Crime Stories with Nancy Grace” is also a national radio show on SiriusXM channel 111, airing for two hours daily starting at 12 p.m. EST. You can also subscribe and download the daily podcasts at iHeart Podcasts.

[Feature Photo via Mesa police]