A teen girl remains missing, who reportedly lived at the same group home as Emily Pike, a 14-year-old found murdered in February.

The Mesa Police Department said that Veronica Cruz, 17, hasn’t been seen since March 18, 2024. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children added that Cruz  could “still be in the local area or may travel to Casa Grande or Eloy, Arizona.”

A Department of Child Safety (DCS) spokesperson stated that group homes must alert DCS when a child runs away or goes missing, although they declined to answer specific questions about the case.

In response, according to News 12, DCS launched a licensing inquiry into the group home associated with Pike and issued the following statement:

“ Like the community, the Department was shocked and saddened to learn about the horrific murder of Emily Pike. We support law enforcement in their efforts to find and hold accountable the person who committed this heinous crime and all those who target vulnerable children, particularly those in foster care. At this time, the Department does not believe any action taken, or not taken, by the group home caused the terrible outcome in this case.

”We have opened a licensing inquiry to determine whether appropriate steps were taken by the group home during this incident.”

Pike was last seen on January 27, walking near Mesa Drive and McKellips Road after leaving the group home where she lived in Mesa.

Information regarding Pike’s death leaked to the public late last month via a memo from Gila County police and social media. The memo indicated that Pike’s head and torso were found in bags on February 14. Her arms and hands are reportedly still missing.

On Monday, the Gila County Sheriff’s Office formed a task force in collaboration with agencies including San Carlos Apache PD, Mesa PD, the FBI, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs to pursue justice for Emily Pike.

They also launched a centralized tip line for individuals who may have information about Pike’s case.

Meanwhile, Cruz remains missing. Anyone with information on her whereabouts should contact the Mesa Police Department at 480-644-2211. 

Anyone with information regarding Pike’s case should call Gila County police at 928-200-2352, the Bureau of Indian Affairs at 505-917-7830, or the San Carlos Apache Tribal Police at 928-475-1755.

[ Feature Photo: Veronica Cruz/Ncmec]