Gruesome Murder of Emily Pike Sparks Probe of Department of Child Services Group Home Regulations by Senate Health & Human Services Committee Chair

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                      
Tuesday, May 13, 2025

PHOENIX, ARIZONA— Senate Health & Human Services Committee Chair Carine Werner is holding a Joint Legislative Oversight Committee Hearing on the Department of Child Safety (DCS) this Wednesday afternoon to probe group home regulations in response to the gruesome murder of 14-year-old Emily Pike after she ran away from her state-licensed facility in January.

"The goal of this bipartisan hearing is to examine procedures, protocols, and policies to keep children within the custody of these group homes safe and secure," said Chairwoman Werner. "We have invited officials from DCS, law enforcement, lawmakers, tribal councils and their social services departments, as well as members of Emily's family to help determine the best course of action to address any systemic failures needing immediate attention. We don't want to see what happened with Emily to ever happen again with any other children in our state. My heart grieves for the family, friends, and tribal community members who are seeking justice in Emily's murder, and my hope is that the loss of her will not be in vain but will instead be the catalyst to help better address the needs of vulnerable children within the custody of state-licensed group homes."

Date:
Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Time:
1:00 p.m.

Location:
Arizona State Senate- First Floor- Hearing Room # 1
Northwest Corner of Jefferson St. & 17th Ave., Phoenix

Livestream Link:
https://www.azleg.gov/videoplayer/?clientID=6361162879&eventID=2025051022

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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus
kquintero@azleg.gov