The Gila County Sheriff’s Office in Arizona is investigating another murder in the same area where they found the partial remains of 14-year-old Emily Pike.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, searchers found Emily’s dismembered remains on February 14 in an area north of Globe, near milepost 277 off Highway 60 on Forest Service Road 355. Investigators said someone placed her remains, including her torso and head, in contractor trash bags. Her arms and hands are still missing.
Emily vanished from a group home in Mesa on January 27. She was from the San Carlos Apache Tribe.
According to AZfamily, the sheriff’s office formed a task force with help from the FBI and other agencies to track leads and tips. Investigators confirmed surveillance footage exists, but have not revealed what it entails.
Deputies identified him as 31-year-old Leo Harry White of Whiteriver. Investigators said they have leads in the case but have not made any arrests.
Gila County officials said the difference between the two deaths is the location of the crime scene.
“It is a little different in that, that one it looks like the homicide actually took place there, where the subject was found in a vehicle. This one with Emily, of course, we believe that she was killed somewhere else and then that is where she was dropped off,” GCSO Lt. Jim Lahti told AZfamily.
Police said there’s no indication at this time that the two deaths are related, but both cases remain open and active.
Meanwhile, the tribe is offering a $75,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest in the Pike case, 12 News reports. During a vigil last week for Emily, the San Carlos Apache Tribe announced a reward to honor her memory.
In a Facebook post, Terry Rambler, Chairman of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, expressed his sentiments, stating, “I am honored and humbled to be here in the memory of Emily Pike. My continued prayers go out to the families of Emily.”
Check back for updates.
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[Feature Photo via Mesa police]