Tallahassee Police Arrest Father in Lori Paige Case

News Summary

The Tallahassee community is mourning after the remains of 12-year-old Lori Paige were found following a two-year search. Her father, Andrew Wiley, has been arrested on second-degree murder charges. The investigation revealed inconsistencies in his account, leading to an intensification of search efforts. The tragic discovery of Lori’s remains has prompted both grief and calls for justice within the community.

Tallahassee Police Make Major Breakthrough in Case of Missing 12-Year-Old Lori Paige

The city of Tallahassee is reeling from a recent development in the case of 12-year-old Lori Paige, who was reported missing nearly two years ago. It was on June 3, 2023, that Lori’s father, Andrew Wiley, claimed she left their home, packing her backpack while he was at work. The community was hopeful, rallying support for a young girl who had seemingly vanished without a trace.

Two Years of Searching and an Exhaustive Investigation

The Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) launched a comprehensive investigation that spanned 22 months, pouring time, resources, and effort into finding the young girl. Investigators chased down hundreds of leads, scouring multiple states in their quest for answers. They conducted interviews and organized extensive searches across North Florida and South Georgia, but despite the best efforts, it seemed as though little progress was being made. For a long time, Lori remained missing, and the excitement of finding her had begun to fade.

Cracks in the Story

As time went on, inconsistencies began surfacing in Wiley’s account of events. What initially seemed like a straightforward story soon became more complicated as detectives focused their attention on the father. In February 2024, a significant clue emerged when detectives seized a phone from Wiley’s home. A forensic analysis of that device led to questionable internet searches, which raised eyebrows. These searches included locations in Alabama and Georgia, identified as remote areas with nearby bodies of water.

Search Efforts Intensify

In early 2024, with those troubling findings, detectives shifted their search efforts toward a specific area known locally as a plantation in Thomas County, Georgia. Although multiple searches yielded no results, hope remained high among community members who had become increasingly invested in solving the mystery of Lori’s disappearance.

The Heart-Wrenching Discovery

On April 5, 2025, a breakthrough came when a dog from the North Florida Search Team made a tragic discovery at the plantation. Following a prescribed burn that cleared away the dense underbrush, Lori’s remains were found. The subsequent confirmation from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement brought a heavy wave of sorrow over the community as they learned the heartbreaking news that Lori Paige had passed away.

Arrest and Community Response

On April 11, 2025, Chief Lawrence Revell of the TPD announced the arrest of Andrew Wiley on charges of second-degree murder. This shocking turn of events has prompted deep feelings across the community, with many reflecting on the life that Lori should have had. Community members, who had previously participated in extensive search efforts, felt a mix of relief and heartache; justice was beginning to take shape for Lori.

A Legacy of Advocacy

Lori was a 12-year-old student at Griffin Middle School who, before her disappearance, had faced challenges in her home life. The community had united in their efforts to find her, engaging in advocacy and outreach to keep her case alive in the public eye. With reserved hope, many believed that their continued support and perseverance would lead to answers.

Moving Forward

As the case progresses, law enforcement encourages anyone with additional information to come forward. Tips can be provided to TPD or sent anonymously through Crime Solvers. While the community is still working through the grief of losing such a vibrant young girl, there is a collective desire to find a sense of closure and justice for Lori Paige.

In times where hope seemed dim, the resilience of this community shines brightly. This case is a stark reminder of the lengths that people will go to protect their loved ones and ensure that they are never forgotten.

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Additional Resources

• Tallahassee.com: Update on Lori Paige
• Google Search: Lori Paige
• First Coast News: Father Charged in Lori Paige’s Death
• Wikipedia: Disappearance of Lori Paige
• WHSV: Missing Girl Found Dead
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Lori Paige
• WTXL: Community Reacts to Lori Paige’s Discovery
• Google News: Lori Paige Missing