Police in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, have arrested a juvenile in the death of 10-year-old Lily Peters, who was found dead in a wooded area after she disappeared following a visit with her aunt.
Chippewa Falls Police Chief Matthew Kelm could not provide any information about the suspect, including age and gender or what charges would be filed.
The 4th grader disappeared Sunday evening after visiting with her aunt. She reportedly left on her bicycle to return four blocks to her home, but her father reported her missing at about 9 p.m. As CrimeOnline previously reported, Lily’s bike was found later Sunday night not far from her aunt’s house and near a walking trail.
On Monday, investigators said they’d found the girl’s body not far from where she was last seen.
“Earlier this evening we arrested a juvenile supects in this case,” Kelm told reporters Tuesday evneing. “The suspect was not a stranger. The suspect was known to the victim. We do not believe there is any danger to the community at this time.”
Before the news conference, police served a search warrant at a house near the other scenes of the crime, but Kelm did not say what was found there.
Kelm said that tips from the community were “critical” to the investigation.
An autopsy is under way, he said, adding, “There is still much work to be done.”
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[Featured image: Lily Peters/handout]
