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.
“It is almost impossible to believe that something this horrific could happen in our city,” Kelm said.
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. He declined to share additional details Monday afternoon, citing the ongoing investigation.
Investigators are actively following up on leads with assistance from the Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigations, the Wisconsin State Crime Lab and local law enforcement agencies.
Anyone with information about the case is urged to call a newly-established tip line at 1-800-263-5906.
WLS-TV contributed to this report.
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