Say Her Name, Emily Pike
By Kyler Edsitty
Tempe, Arizona – March 10, 2025 – The tragic death of 14-year-old Emily Pike, a cherished member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, has profoundly affected Tribal citizens across Arizona and the nation. A group home in Mesa, Arizona, reported Emily missing on January 27, 2025. Her dismembered remains were discovered on February 14 near Globe, Arizona, nearly three weeks later.
In response to the growing concerns surrounding missing persons, Native Public Media took a significant step toward enhancing national efforts in locating missing adults and minors that do not meet the AMBER Alert criteria, particularly in vulnerable communities, including Indian Country. On August 7, 2025, the Federal Communications Commission launched the new Missing and Endangered Persons Alert to assist law enforcement and citizens in locating missing persons who may be in immediate danger. The MEP Alert complements the existing AMBER Alert, which has proven effective in locating missing children.
In the wake of Emily's disappearance, community members have come together to honor her memory and advocate for the safety of Native youth and adults alike. On March 4 and 7, 2025, the greater Phoenix area held vigils to remember Emily and raise awareness about the systemic issues affecting Indigenous communities.
Loris Taylor, who attended the event, said, "Standing together in Emily's memory with her family and relatives, we mourn her loss and reaffirm our commitment to protecting our children and adults. We must address the systemic failures that allowed this tragedy to occur and do more as a society bound together by these heinous acts that result in long-term trauma for families across the nation."
While the AMBER Alert responds to child abductions, it is essential to recognize that not all missing children cases meet this criterion for activation. The new Missing and Endangered Persons Alert bridges this gap by providing a swift response to cases involving minors and adults, particularly those who may be at heightened risk due to dangerous situations. This initiative is a response to the recognition that Indigenous adults, particularly women, have long been underrepresented in efforts to find the missing or endangered.
"The Missing and Endangered Persons Alert combined with the Amber Alert underscore the importance of community vigilance and proactive measures to protect all children and adults, especially those in vulnerable situations. Native Public Media is working with federal agencies and community members on a national list of criteria for the Missing and Endangered Persons Alert, concludes Taylor.
The new Missing and Endangered Persons Alert is available in all fifty states and U.S. territories and will be activated for radio and television by September 2025. According to the National Center on Missing and Exploited Children, there are nearly 200 missing children in Arizona.
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