Missing girl, 10, found dead in Chippewa Falls, WI near brewery; police investigating as homicide

CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. — A 10-year-old girl who went missing after going to visit an aunt was found dead Monday along a creek trail in downtown Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.

Chippewa Falls Police Chief Matthew Kelm says Iliana Peters’ death is being pursued as a homicide.

Police began searching for the girl, who went by the name Lily, after her father reported Sunday evening that she hadn’t returned home from a visit to her aunt’s house.

Police used drones and search crews to comb the woods near the Leinenkugel Brewery. Her body was found about 9:15 a.m. Monday.

Police said a bicycle believed to be hers was found in the woods a short distance from her aunt’s residence near the Duncan Creek walking trail and the brewery’s parking lot.

Kelm told the public to remain vigilant as they do not have a suspect in custody and the public could be in danger.

Police are expected to update the public on the case Monday evening.

WLS-TV contributed to this report.