Podcast Summary: Emily Pike // Episode 497
Going West: True Crime
Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman
Release Date: April 25, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 497 of Going West: True Crime, hosts Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman delve into the harrowing case of Emily Pike, a 14-year-old girl from the San Carlos Apache community in Arizona. This episode meticulously examines the series of tragic events leading to Emily's disappearance and murder, highlighting systemic failures and the broader issues facing Indigenous communities.
Emily Pike’s Background
Emily Pike was born on May 16, 2010, to Steph Dossela and Jensen Pike. Raised in Peridot, a small town on the San Carlos Apache Reservation, Emily grew up in a blended family with five siblings and a large extended family. Described as a creative and kind-hearted individual, Emily had aspirations to study art and guitar, and she harbored dreams of becoming a veterinarian. Despite her gentle nature, Emily's childhood was marred by instability due to her mother's struggle with drug addiction and her father's multiple incarcerations for fleeing a police vehicle and arson.
Notable Quote:
“He had a future ahead of her, she had goals.” — Uncle Allred Pike Jr. [07:00]
The Assault and Aftermath
In the summer of 2023, at the age of 13, Emily was sexually assaulted by an adult relative frequently present at her mother's residence. Following the assault, emergency services were called to the hill behind Emily's home, with officers from the Department of Tribal Game and Fish responding [08:58]. This incident marked the first significant point where Emily's safety was compromised, and it revealed the systemic shortcomings in addressing such sensitive cases within the reservation.
Notable Quote:
“She was just an innocent. She was a baby. She was a very happy and kind person.” — Mother, Steph Dossela [05:10]
Placement in the Group Home
Due to growing concerns about her safety and declining mental health post-assault, Emily was placed in a group home in Mesa, Arizona, operated by Sacred Journey Inc. The transition from her home to multiple group facilities exacerbated her mental health struggles, leading to several escape attempts.
Notable Quote:
“One of the girls threatened to run away again, telling the officer that, 'I would rather go to jail or live with my grandma.'” — Staff Member [15:37]
Struggles Within the Group Home
Emily's time in the group home was fraught with challenges. She faced restrictive environments, including limited access to technology and unsanctioned activities. These restrictions, coupled with emotional and, according to some former residents, physical abuse, led Emily to attempt escape multiple times. Her desperate attempts culminated in a suicide attempt on November 8, 2023, further highlighting the inadequate support systems in place.
Notable Quote:
“She didn't know where she wanted to be, but she didn't want to be there.” — Heath Merryman [14:44]
Family’s Efforts to Reclaim Emily
Emily’s extended family, particularly her aunts Carolyn Pikebender and Trinny Pike, vehemently opposed her placement in the group home. They worked tirelessly to bring Emily back, successfully relocating her to Fort Collins, Colorado, for Thanksgiving. However, trauma-induced behavior and overwhelming emotions led Emily to flee again shortly after, resulting in her final disappearance.
Notable Quote:
“They are very worried about her.” — Aunt Carolyn Pikebender [17:12]
Disappearance and Discovery of Remains
On January 27, 2025, Emily made her fourth escape attempt from the group home, motivated by a desire to visit a boy she liked. She was last seen near Mesa Drive and McKellops Road in Mesa. Her remains were discovered on February 14, 2025, near Highway 60, dismembered and concealed in trash bags—a clear indication of foul play.
Notable Quote:
“It really just makes you think how that would have happened if that's where she went missing from, if she went missing outside of the group home and then somebody transported her remains because this is very much a murder.” — Daphne Woolsoncroft [35:22]
Investigation and Ongoing Developments
The investigation into Emily's murder has been complex, involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, Gila County Sheriff's Office, Mesa Police Department, and Apache Tribal Police. As of the episode's release, the cause of death remained undetermined, and key evidence, such as Emily's arms, had not been recovered. The San Carlos Apache Tribe has initiated an independent investigation to address previous mishandlings of sexual assault allegations and enhance protections for vulnerable individuals.
Notable Quote:
“We can't protect you. We need to protect you. We're not just housing a bunch of kids. We operate like a home.” — Elizabeth Morales, CEO of Sacred Journey [30:42]
Tribal Response and Legislative Advocacy
In response to Emily’s case and the broader issues of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), the San Carlos Apache Tribe has called for legislative reforms. House Bill 2281 aims to establish a Missing Indigenous Person alert system to improve communication and response coordination between federal, state, and tribal jurisdictions.
Notable Quote:
“This crime cannot remain unresolved. We will continue to do everything in our power to support the Gila County Sheriff's Office in their investigation.” — Tribal Chairman Terry Rambler [45:16]
Conclusion and Calls to Action
Emily Pike’s tragic story underscores the critical need for systemic changes in handling cases involving Indigenous youth. The podcast concludes with a heartfelt appeal to listeners to keep Emily’s memory alive, share her story widely, and support initiatives aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.
Notable Quotes:
“You'll never be forgotten. I love you. Until we meet again. Rest in peace.” — Steph Dossela, Emily’s Mother [47:10]
“We are not a cult. We are not abusing our children. We operate like a home.” — Elizabeth Morales, CEO of Sacred Journey [30:56]
“She’s just a 14-year-old that maybe wanted to see some friends, wanted to come home.” — Uncle Allred Pike Jr. [43:19]
Final Remarks
The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by Indigenous youth and the imperative to reform protective systems. Hosts Daphne and Heath emphasize the importance of community awareness and proactive engagement to ensure justice for Emily Pike and others like her.
Support Emily’s Case:
The San Carlos Apache Tribe is offering a $75,000 reward for information leading to Emily Pike’s killer. If you have any information, please contact the Gila County Sheriff's Office at 928-425-3231.
End of Summary