A permanent memorial is underway for a slain Arizona indigenous girl, 14-year-old Emily Pike, following her February death.
According to NBC’s 12 News, Emily’s mother, mom, Stephanie Dosela, said she was “grateful” for a permanent placement, following the removal of a temporary memorial earlier this month.
The permanent memorial is scheduled to be placed in Mesa’s Fitch Park, coupled with a bench and a tree that will be planted in her honor.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, the first memorial had sat in place months, at the intersection of Mesa Drive and McKellips Road, following the discovery of Emily’s remains in February 2025.
The property owner said he removed the memorial because no one had prior permission to place it there, according to FOX 10 Phoenix. He said he left the items in a bin since he was unsure who to contact about retrieving the items.
“I am very grateful for the assistance of the City of Mesa who graciously approved the establishment of a permanent memorial that will honor my daughter, Emily Carla Pike,” Dosela said in a statement.
“Her legacy will continue to raise awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous People.”
Emily was last seen alive January 27, 2025, near Mesa Drive and McKellips Road, after fleeing a group home.
Police found some of Emily’s dismembered remains on Valentine’s Day, stuffed in trash bags and left along U.S. 60, northeast of Globe. Some of her remains have never been found.
No arrests have been made.
In addition to the permanent memorial, an ADOT highway memorial will be placed at milepost 277, north of Highway 60.
“We feel that Fitch Park is a great location which is less than a mile from where Emily went missing,” Emily Pike’s uncle, Pike Jr., said, according to AZ Central.
“We want to thank all of the advocates, community members, tribal leaders and general public for their continued support.”
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[Feature Photo: Emily Pike/Handout]