Tragedy in Phoenix Who Killed Zariah Dodd A Pregnant Teen’s Life Cut Short in State Care
A vulnerable life lost to violence raises hard questions about the child welfare system
Phoenix, Arizona — Sixteen-year-old Zariah Finley Dodd, pregnant and in state custody, was found shot and killed in a Phoenix park just hours after she vanished from a group home on the Fourth of July. Her death has left a trail of unanswered questions, sorrow, and outrage over a system her loved ones say failed her.
A Fragile Journey Through the System
Zariah had lived in approximately 20 different group homes throughout her young life. She was under the state’s care, but it was Richilyn Fox, a former group home manager who later became her kinship caregiver, who stood by her side with the hope of adopting her. To Fox, Zariah was more than a foster child — she was like a daughter.
"She was intelligent, brave, and resilient. No matter what life threw at her, she always found a way to survive,” Fox recalled.
Fox had previously worked at Sunshine Residential, an organization that operates group homes for children affected by abuse and neglect. Even after she left her job there, her connection with Zariah remained strong
A Teen Mother With Hope and Fear
Zariah was pregnant, and her baby shower was scheduled for September. Fox said they had talked about motherhood and the mix of fear and excitement Zariah felt.
“She wanted to be a mother, even if she was scared. But she didn’t want it to happen the way it did. Still, she wanted that baby,” Fox shared, her voice full of emotion.
The Night Everything Changed
On the evening of July 4, Zariah left her group home in Surprise, Arizona, reportedly to take a walk. The home was located near Cactus and Litchfield Roads. It was after 8 p.m., and she never returned.
Fox said she didn’t learn about Zariah’s disappearance until the following day.
“Her phone stopped responding. Her social media accounts disappeared. That’s how I knew something was very wrong,” she said.
Fox questioned how a visibly pregnant minor was allowed to leave the facility unsupervised at night.
“At seven o’clock in the evening, when it’s already dark, no pregnant teenager should be walking alone. Whether she was in the state’s care or my own, I would never have let that happen,” she said firmly.
The Aftermath and Discovery
Staff at the group home reported Zariah missing and contacted law enforcement shortly after midnight on July 5. Records show she had last been seen around 8 p.m. the night before.
Nearly 12 hours later, Phoenix Police discovered Zariah’s body at Marivue Park near 55th Avenue and Osborn Road. She had been shot and left to die.
Heartbreak and Frustration
The tragedy has left the community in mourning and her loved ones seeking answers. Despite the official condolences from the facility and ongoing investigations, no arrests have been made weeks after her murder.
Zariah’s caregiver, Fox, is now turning her grief into purpose.
“This won’t be the end of her story. There will be a home built in her honor — one that cannot be torn down. A place that shines light on every girl who’s been groomed, abused, or silenced. That will be Zariah’s legacy,” she said with resolve.
Searching for Accountability and Change
There are still many unanswered questions surrounding the timing of the group home’s response and the state’s role. Zariah’s loved ones have requested clarity on when child protection officials were notified, and whether there is an ongoing investigation into the group home’s actions.
Due to privacy laws, state officials have declined to provide further details.
Honoring Her Life
A public vigil is scheduled to take place at Marivue Park, the very location where Zariah was found. Her funeral will be held on Saturday, August 2 at 11 a.m. at Greater Hope Christian Church, located at 2927 N 35th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85
A Call for Justice
Zariah’s death is more than a tragic crime — it has become a symbol of systemic failure. Her story highlights the risks faced by vulnerable youth in the child welfare system and the devastating consequences of neglect.
Her loved ones are determined to ensure that her life — and her death — leads to change, accountability, and a safer future for children like her.