Child Arrested For Murder Of 10-Year-Old Girl Found In Woods
Featured Image Credit: Chippewa Falls Police Department/WXOW News 19
A juvenile has been arrested for the murder of 10-year-old Liliana 'Lily' Peters.
Peters went missing on the evening of Sunday, 24 April.
The fourth-grader's father reported her missing at around 9.00pm.
Her body was discovered on Monday morning, 25 April, near a walking trail in Chippewa Falls in Wisconsin, US.
On Tuesday, 26 April, at a press conference, Chippewa Falls Police Chief Matt Kelm announced the arrest of a young person in connection with Peters' murder.
Chief Kelm has reported the juvenile was 'not a stranger' and was known to Peters.
However, the chief did not reveal what evidence the police had to arrest the suspect, what sort of relationship the suspect had with Peters, or their name, age or gender.
He also didn't say whether criminal charges had been filed.
In announcement of the arrest, Chief Kelm stated: "While nothing will bring Lily Peters back or change what happened, we are very grateful to deliver this news to the family and the community."
On Sunday, Peters had been walking back home from her aunt's house.
The following day, her disappearance was announced as being investigated as a homicide.
The young girl's body is now at the coroner's office undergoing an autopsy, after Peters and her bike were found near to Leinenkugel's Brewery at around 9.15am on Monday.
Spokesperson for Leinenkugel's, Marty Maloney, told CNN: "[Lily's death is] an unspeakable, heartbreaking tragedy, and we want to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victim. We are working with the authorities, and providing the help and support we can."
The Chippewa Falls community is mourning the loss of 10-year-old Lily Peters.
— Spectrum News 1 Wisconsin (@SpectrumNews1WI) April 26, 2022
Community members helped set up memorials to honor Lily’s life, hoping to show support for the Peters family. The police department asks for anyone with information to call 1-800-263-5906. pic.twitter.com/nE8FsXj8kX
While Chief Kelm did not offer further details on the suspect, the Chippewa Falls Police Department noted how the investigation was aided massively by over 200 tips, which it described as being 'critical' within the investigation.
Chief Kelm stated: "There is still much work to be done. Our thoughts continue to be with the family during this terrible time."
While Chief Kelm has reassured that the police 'do not believe there is any danger to the community at this time,' in a statement, the department noted it would be 'increasing [its] patrol especially during drop-off and pick-up times' in the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District area.
Parents have been asked to be 'more vigilant and alert during this time' and teachers to 'respect the family by not spreading rumours'.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
