Juvenile arrested in connection to homicide of 10-year-old Chippewa Falls girl

CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A juvenile boy was arrested Tuesday evening and taken into custody in connection to the homicide of a 10-year-old Chippewa Falls girl.

The body of Lily Peters was found Monday morning.

At a news briefing Tuesday evening, Chippewa Falls police did not reveal the connection between the suspect and Peters, but they did say the suspect was not a stranger to the victim.

Chippewa Falls Police Chief Matthew Kelm said, "Earlier this evening we arrested a juvenile suspect in this case. The suspect was not a stranger, the suspect was known to the victim."

The news of the arrest was welcome news for the grieving Chippewa Falls community.

Chief Kelm said, "While nothing will bring Lily Peters back or change what happened, we are very grateful to be able to deliver this news to the family and for the community."

But Chief Kelm did not share much more information about the suspect, citing his age and the open investigation that has consumed law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, county, and local levels.

Kelm said, "Law enforcement has been working on this case 24 hours a day since this call came in less than 48 hours ago."

On Sunday Lily left her home to visit her aunt's house just blocks away, but she did not return. Her father called police Sunday night.

A bicycle was found in the woods near a walking trail, and close to 20 agencies were involved in the ensuing search. More than 70 officers worked leads, and more than 200 tips were called in. On Monday morning Lily’s body was located near the walking trail.

A search warrant led police to collect evidence from a nearby home and the Chippewa Falls Police Department increased its presence around schools in town Tuesday.

Then Tuesday evening the suspect was arrested.

Chief Kelm would not comment on possible charges against the suspect, but said the district attorney's office has been involved in the case the entire time.

The crime scene is still being held secure and police do not believe there is any danger to the community.

Contact the tip line if you have any information related to this case, at 1-800-263-5906. Police say the line will remain open until noon April 27.