A father in Florida has been charged with the murder of his daughter nearly two years after she was reported missing. The Tallahassee Police Department announced the arrest of 36-year-old Andrew Wiley, who faces second-degree murder charges related to the death of his daughter, Lori Paige, who was 12 years old.
The police revealed that the charges came after a thorough 22-month investigation into Lori’s disappearance, which was reported by Wiley on June 3, 2022. At that time, he claimed that Lori had left home with her backpack while he was at work.
Authorities found Lori’s remains on April 5 in a remote area of Thomas County, Georgia, after following digital evidence that pointed them to the site. Multiple searches did not uncover any clues until there was a controlled burn that cleared the heavy brush in 2024.
Wiley became the main suspect in March 2024 when investigators discovered inconsistencies in his statements and new details about his relationship with Lori surfaced. A forensic examination of a phone seized from Wiley on February 2, 2024, also revealed concerning internet searches related to remote areas with bodies of water in Alabama and Georgia.
As the investigation continued, police found more irregularities in Wiley’s story while pursuing leads across state lines. TPD Chief Lawrence Revell stated that he had promised the community two years ago that they would find Lori and seek justice for her. He emphasized that while the arrest cannot bring Lori back, it moves them closer to justice for her.
The case has left a lasting impact on the community, which has been affected by Lori’s tragic story for nearly two years.
