Body of missing 10-year-old Wisconsin girl found

The body of a 10-year-old Wisconsin girl who went missing Sunday night was found Monday morning, police said.

10-year-old Iliana M. Peters. (Chippewa Falls Police Department)
10-year-old Iliana M. Peters. (Chippewa Falls Police Department)

Iliana “Lily” M. Peters' father reported her missing after she did not return home from her aunt's house, Chippewa Falls Police Chief Matthew Kelm said during a news conference.

Peters' bike was found a few blocks away from her aunt's house, and on Monday morning, her body was discovered in a wooded area. Chippewa Falls Police are investigating her death as a homicide and said there may be a danger to the public.

Following the news conference, police announced a tip line for anyone with information related to Peters' death.

Police said Tuesday that there would be an "increased law enforcement presence" around Chippewa Falls schools. "We will be increasing our patrol especially during drop-off and pick-up times," they said.

Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District said it was working with police.

"Our thoughts with the family during this difficult time," said a statement from the district.

Kelm choked up briefly during the news conference as he announced Peters' death.

“Our first responders are tremendously impacted by anything that impacts our children," he said.