Celebration of life honored 14-year-old Emily Pike highlights her zest for life, calls for justice
Emily Pike's celebration of life held in Globe
Community members, family and tribal leaders all gathered in a life celebration of 14-year-old Emily Pike, who was found murdered nearly 100 miles away from her home earlier this month.
Today, the San Carlos Apache Tribe honored the life of 14-year-old Emily Pike.
Pike's life was celebrated on the San Carlos Apache reservation.
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Biker group honors Emily Pike, indigenous teenager found dismembered 100 miles from her home
More than 100 bikers rode out in procession to honor the slain 14-year-old girl. Emily Pike, who was found dismembered nearly 100 miles away from her home.
The teenager went missing in January from a group home in Mesa and her body was discovered dismembered along U.S. 60 near Globe last month.
Lining the drive to San Carlos High School are pink balloons, just one of many tributes to 14-year-old Emily Pike as her loved ones lay her to rest.
Big picture view:
Set against the backdrop of indigenous drum beats, songs and traditions.
Emily Pike's life was honored on March 29 by her community.
Her life, cut short by an act of violence, leaves Emily's family and the larger San Carlos Apache Tribe searching for answers.
Hundreds of people in the crowd were heard chanting: "What's her name?" "Emily Pike!" "What do we want?" "Justice!"
Hundreds of mourners filled the gymnasium at San Carlos High School to hear more about the girl loved ones refer to as sweet, funny and kind-hearted.
"She was beautiful inside and out. Emily loved hello kitty, the color pink. She loved anything that was girly," said Makana Pike, Emily's relative.
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Emily Pike: Teen ‘did not want to go back’ to group home more than a year before her murder, report says
A missing persons report from Mesa Police reveals more information on 14-year-old Emily Pike who was found dismembered nearly 100 miles away from her last known location.
During the service, a slideshow gives a glimpse into Emily's early days.
Stories from loved ones, allowing for some levity.
What they're saying:
"She had that soft, sweet voice. I can hear her calling me loudly 'auntieee'. Her face lit up, running up to me," said Makana Pike.
"Emily always loved her cranberry pizzas, as we all thought it was a weird combination, but that's uniquely Emily," said Alyssa Dosela, another of Emily's relatives.
But many moments bring tears, as tribal and spiritual leaders urge Emily's community to find solace in her eternal life in heaven.
"Emily is in a better place," said Allred Pike Jr. "She's up there praising with us. She's up there praising God!"
"When we think about carrying the load, Dosela family, Pike family, you are not alone," said Sherrie Harris, a San Carlos Apache Tribe member.
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What's next:
Meanwhile, the cry for justice echos across the room as a call to action.
"No more stolen children! No more stolen women! Leave our people alone!" said Ina Salter a San Carlos Apache Tribe District Councilwoman.
The search for justice in Emily's case and every other case of missing or murdered Indigenous women spreads past the reservation land as you drive through Globe.
It's a reminder that until every case is solved, that search for justice will not end.