A 10-year-old child has been found dead near Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. Lily Peters was visiting her aunt's home before she went missing. Just a day later, her body was found near a popular walking trail.
That trail separated Lily's home from her aunt's home, police say. They are considering her death a homicide, as evidence of a murder was found at the scene.
“The Chippewa County Coroner’s Office has now confirmed that this is the body of Iliana Peters,” Chippewa Falls Police Chief Matthew Kelm said at a press conference. “At this point, we are considering this a homicide investigation.”
Lily's entire community is shocked and grieving. Dozens of people attended a prayer vigil on Monday night. "Grief is hard alone. It's a lot better done in community," Pastor Michael Houle, who led the vigil, said. "I'm a parent and it hit hard."
By all accounts, Lily seemed like a happy and thriving child. She was a fourth grader at Parkview Elementary School, and she leaves behind a grieving family and many friends.
Police say the child's killer is still at large. They've set up a tip line at 1-800-263-5906 for any information that could lead to an arrest.
