Chippewa, Wisconsin law enforcement arrested a juvenile Wednesday as part of a homicide investigation into the death of a 10-year-old girl named Iliana “Lily” Peters who was found near the woods.
Although Chippewa Falls Police Department (CFPD) Chief Matthew Klem declined to disclose the sex and gender of the apprehended suspect, Klem did confirm that the suspect was in custody. “I’m not sure where the suspect is right now, but he is in custody,” Kelm confirmed at a Wednesday press conference. (RELATED: Dog Leads Hiker To Remains Of Missing Person)
It also remains unclear where the suspect was arrested, according to USA Today. But the suspect was no stranger to the late Lily.
Chippewa Police Chief Matthew Klem said “the suspect was not a stranger and that tips from the community led to the arrest,” according to Fox News. Investigators had received over 200 tips and credited the public’s help for solving the case, Fox News reported. (RELATED: REPORT: Authorities Say Someone Spotted Serial Killer Who Has Been Missing For 23 Years In Curaçao)
BREAKING: A suspect has been arrested in murder of 10-year-old Lily Peters, Chippewa Falls WI police chief announces. Says suspect is a juvenile, wasn’t a stranger to Lily pic.twitter.com/dykqg96Kus
— David Schuman (@david_schuman) April 26, 2022
Lily’s aunt’s home has been taped off as a part of the investigation, according to Fox.
Lily was a student at Chippewa Falls Elementary School, and her favorite color is purple. To mourn her passing, community members in Chippewa are hanging up purple ribbons at every street light downtown, according to CBS Minnesota.
Community members tied purple ribbons throughout downtown. pic.twitter.com/yIRXTb4osb
— Lou Raguse (@LouRaguse) April 26, 2022
The state of Wisconsin has seen several hardships in the last few years, citing the recent Wisconsin Christmas Parade tragedy and the unrest in Kenosha.