Lily Peters collage

Lily Peters: Juvenile Suspect Heads to Bail Hearing, Autopsy Underway for 10-year-old Found Dead in Woods

A juvenile suspect who was arrested Tuesday in connection with the death of 10-year-old Illiana “Lily” Peters is scheduled for a first court hearing today.

As CrimeOnline previously reported, police in Chippewa Falls arrested a juvenile after finding the victim dead in a wooded area after she disappeared following a visit with her aunt.

The unnamed juvenile is scheduled to appear in court today for a bond hearing at 2 p.m., according to the Chippewa County District Attorney’s Office.

“The suspect was not a stranger, the suspect was known to the victim,” Chippewa Falls Police Chief Matthew Kelm said during a Tuesday press conference. “We do not believe there is any danger to the community at this time.”

According to ABC 18, Chippewa County coroner, Ron Patten, confirmed that the victim’s body was taken to the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office in Minnesota. The autopsy began Tuesday but could be done by as early as Wednesday.

Lily Peters

Lily disappeared Sunday after visiting with her aunt. The child’s father contacted police at around 9 p.m. Sunday and reported that no one could find her. She was seen by family members that evening but didn’t return back to a home off of 50 block of E. Birch Street in Chippewa Falls.

According to ABC 18, police searched the area but Lily was nowhere in sight. Lily’s bicycle was found Sunday night near her aunt’s house, close to a walking trail between the end of N. Grove St and the Leinenkugel’s brewery parking lot. The aunt lives around four blocks away from Lily’s home.

Investigators are currently interviewing Lily’s friends and family members. Check back for updates.

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[Feature Photo: Handout]