(UPDATED) Tragic End to Search For Missing Girl in Western Wisconsin
Chippewa Falls, WI (KROC-AM News) - (UPDATED) What had been a search for a missing child in western Wisconsin has become a homicide investigation.
The Chippewa Falls Police Department has confirmed that the body of 10-year-old Illana Peters was found this morning near the same walking trail where her bike was discovered last night. Police chief Matthew Kelm extended his condolences to the little girl's family and announced a homicide investigation had been launched.
Chief Kelm says no one has been arrested in connection with the child's death. He also indicated there may be a danger to the public and asked citizens of the community next to Eau Claire Wisconsin to remain vigilant.
Illana, who went by the name Lilly, was reported missing around 9 o'clock last night by her father after she failed to return home from visiting her aunt's home a few blocks away. Her bike was discovered last night in a wooded area along a walking path that runs from near the aunt's home to the parking lot of the Leine's Lodge at the Leinenkugel's Brewery, which is a couple of blocks north of her family’s house.
Officials have not released any information about the cause of her death.
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(Original Story Below)
Chippewa Falls, WI (KROC-AM News) - Authorities in western Wisconsin have requested the public's help in finding a missing 10-year-old girl.
A news release issued by the Chippewa Falls Police Department says the father of Lilana Peters contacted the department around 9 o'clock Sunday night and reported that his daughter failed to return home after visiting her aunt. The responding officers determined that she was last seen leaving the aunt's home for her own house Sunday evening.
A search was launched and Chippewa Falls police were advised that a bike, believed to belong to the missing child, had been found in some woods near a walking trail a short distance from her aunt's home and the Leinie Lodge parking lot at the Leinenkugels Brewery. A Search dog and law-enforcement drone were deployed to help with the search but the girl remains missing.
Officials say Lilana, also noticed Lily, was wearing a purple long sleeve shirt, black stretch pants, and gray shoes when she left her aunt's home.
Chippewa Falls is located next to Eau Claire Wisconsin, about 80 miles northeast of Rochester.