GILA COUNTY, Ariz. (KPHO/Gray News) – A mother in Arizona is mourning the loss of her teen daughter, who was found dead last month after going missing.
Arizona police said the remains of 14-year-old Emily Pike were found in the mountains northeast of Globe on Feb. 14.
Her body was found dismembered, left in trash bags off the side of the road.
Emily’s mother, Steff Dosela, said she is devastated and dealing with a lot of emotions.
“She was just an innocent … she was a baby,” Dosela said. “She was a very happy and kind person. She loved painting. She loved art. She loved to draw.”
According to Dosela, her daughter was hoping to go to college and pursue her love of art.
But that all changed when she went missing on Jan. 27.
Emily’s family lives on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation, and she was living in a group home in Mesa.
According to the Mesa Police Department, Emily was last seen alive in late January near Mesa Drive and McKellips Road in Mesa. The group home manager reported her missing.
“Her case manager came a week later to tell me she was missing,” Dosela said.
This week, the Gila County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the remains found last month to be that of the missing 14-year-old.
An autopsy showed visible face and head trauma.
“Why did it go that far? (It’s) pain that I hope no other mother goes through,” Dosela said through tears.
She said detectives came to her home and gave her a DNA test, which helped in the investigation to identify her daughter.
“They have three suspects, but they didn’t tell me their names yet,” Dosela said.
The teen’s mother said what would have been her daughter’s 15th birthday is approaching, and they’ll make sure Emily is celebrated.
“You’ll never be forgotten. I love you,” her mother said. “Until we meet again, rest in peace.”
Authorities have ruled the teen’s death a homicide.
Anyone with information has been urged to contact the Gila County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, or the San Carlos Apache Tribal Police.
Copyright 2025 KPHO via Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved.