Boy ARRESTED in Lily Peter’s murder investigation as cops reveal ‘he was no stranger’ to tragic 10-year-old

A SUSPECT was arrested after the body 10 years old Liliana “Lily” Peters has been found – and police have confirmed he was “no stranger” to them.

Chippewa Falls Police Chief Matt Kelm announced they had a “juvenile suspect” in custody Tuesday, a day after the body of Lily 10 was discovered just a few blocks north of her home.

6

6

6

Kelm said the suspect was arrested “earlier tonight” and declined to provide further information during a news conference.

But the police chief admitted the suspect was “no stranger” to Lily.

He told reporters that the Peters family knew about the bomb arrest, which came after police combed the little girl’s Wisconsin home and the area around her school for answers.

He said police don’t believe there was any danger to the community after Lily’s death sparked widespread fears of a predator on the loose.

“While nothing will bring Lily Peters back or change what happened, we are so grateful to be able to bring this news to the family and community,” he told reporters.

He pointed to purple ribbons placed throughout Chippewa Falls in honor of Lily, whose remains were discovered Monday not far from her bicycle in front of the Lienenkugel Brewery.

“And honestly, I would expect nothing less from the Chippewa Falls community,” Kelm added after local police came under fire for not immediately issuing an AMBER alert.

According to Kelm, the police received more than 200 tips that were “crucial” for solving the case.

The crime scene is still being held by the security team and people are being asked to continue to avoid the area.

The coroner’s office removed Lily’s body and an autopsy will be performed.

A search was launched at 9 p.m. Sunday, when Lily’s father told police that Lily had never returned home after visiting her aunt’s home, which is four blocks from their family home.

As K9 and search teams combed the area, a bicycle was found in the woods near a trail bordering the parking lot of a local brewery.

The missing person’s investigation turned into a murder investigation after police found Lily’s body around 9:15 a.m. Monday.

Kelm said her body was found near Duncan Creek Trail, in the same area where the bike was discovered.

WARNING TO PARENTS

A warning was issued by Lily’s school, Parkview Elementary, in which the administration recommended that parents not let their children go to school alone.

“By now you have most likely heard of the tragic incident that took place last night to date that claimed the life of a CFAUSD student,” the school’s Superintendent Jeff Holmes said in a statement Monday to parents.

“We have no plans to officially announce what happened as we are not privy to those details – we believe law enforcement must be the ones who must decide what or how much to share in this regard.”.“

The administration went on to say counseling services would be made available to students as they come to terms with the tragedy.

When the police chief said investigators followed “several leads” in the investigation, the community came together to honor Lily.

A prayer vigil was held for her on Monday night and a memorial was placed near where her body was found.

“People in our community are honest, hardworking and kind,” said Chief Kelm.

“It’s almost impossible to believe that something so terrible could happen in our city.

“And such an event threatens our sense of security.”

And such an event threatens our sense of security.

Chief Kelm

Residents shared their shock at Lily’s death in a Facebook group titled “Justice for Iliana “Lily” Peters.”

“Is it normal for a 10 year old girl to be able to walk 4 blocks by herself?” wrote one commenter.

“Maybe I’m being overly cautious [sic] but at 10 I wouldn’t allow my daughter to go more than 2 houses away.”

Others suggested that residents of the area review their surveillance footage while also sharing their sorrow for Lily and her family.

“I am praying for this family. How awful,” said one parishioner.

“Our children cannot safely walk the streets, no matter how close they are or how small the town is.”

Anyone with information about Lily’s death was asked to contact the Chippewa County Dispatch Center at 715-726-7701 and select Option 1.

6

6

6