Wisconsin police are launching a frantic hunt for the killer after a 10-year-old girl was found dead near a hiking trail after disappearing while visiting her aunt’s home
- Lily Peters’ body was found Monday morning in a forest near a hiking trail in Chippewa Falls, northeast of Eau Claire, Wisconsin
- A fourth grader went missing Sunday night after visiting an aunt
- Father reported daughter missing around 9 p.m
- Her body was found along with her bicycle near a walking trial in the small town
Wisconsin police have launched a manhunt after a 10-year-old girl who has been missing since Sunday night was found dead on a hiking trail.
Lily Peters’ body was found Monday morning in a wooded area near Chippewa Falls, northeast of Eau Claire, near the home of an aunt who was visiting when she disappeared.
Peters was a fourth grader at Parkview Elementary in the city.
On Monday afternoon, Chippewa Falls Police Chief Matt Kelm confirmed the girls’ disappearance is being investigated as a homicide.
Lily Peters’ body was found Monday morning in a forest near a hiking trail in Chippewa Falls, northeast of Eau Claire, Wisconsin
A fourth grader went missing Sunday night after visiting an aunt
Chippewa Falls Police called several agencies to help with the search, including K9 teams and drone operators
Kelm urged the public to remain vigilant as no suspect is yet in custody.
The little girl’s body and her bicycle were found near the Leinenkugel brewery.
Kelm said police are following a range of leads, with “numerous” authorities helping the investigation.
According to officials, the young woman was last seen by relatives while visiting an aunt’s home in Chippewa Falls.
Her father notified police around 9 p.m. Sunday night that his daughter was missing. The girl lives just four blocks from her aunt’s house, according to WQOW.
More details of the schedule have yet to be shared, including whether Peters disappeared while walking home from her aunt’s house.
Chippewa Falls Police Chief Matt Kelm said people were shocked to find the girl’s body
Her body was found along with her bicycle near a walking trial in the small town
Kelm told reporters there were no known suspects at this time, but investigators were following leads.
“We will work diligently and tirelessly on this case,” Kelm promised.
Chippewa Falls Police called several agencies to help with the search, including K9 teams and drone operators. The chief said finding Lily and the circumstances behind her death were difficult for everyone involved.
Kelm himself choked during the press conference announcing Peters’ death.
“As you can imagine, anything involving one of our children is really upsetting to our first responders,” Kelm said, “so it’s very difficult for them and investigators.”
Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District Superintendent Jeff Holmes sent a letter home to families recommending that children normally walk to and from school and have trusted family members or friends pick up and drop off until further notice. … Our buildings are on high alert; However, law enforcement has not indicated that lockdown settings need to be considered at this time.
Holmes told the families: “We think it’s important that you know what we can share at this time. We do not intend to officially announce what happened as we are not privy to those details – we believe law enforcement must be the ones who must decide what or how much to share in this regard.
“We also believe that parents should be the ones who should speak and discuss this tragic event with their children to the maximum extent possible. However, we know that some of our students may be impacted and some of our students may be having conversations with each other and with staff. … Cardinal Care’s counseling services are available to any student. … Thank you for your kindness and compassion for the student and family at this tragic time.’
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