CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI (WSAU) — The community of Chippewa Falls is still in shock after a ten-year-old girl was killed while riding her bike from her aunt’s home to her home on Sunday, a journey of about a dozen blocks.
Officers have classified the death of Lily Peters as homicide and say they do not have any suspects in custody. Since they have not cleared the public of any danger, the school district is asking parents to arrange rides to school for all students who would normally walk or ride a bike.
Superintendent Jeff Holmes says those rides should come from “trusted family members or friends until further notice,” according to a letter to parents. He adds that staff is on “high alert,” and is asking parents to remain aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behavior.
Additionally, the district is requesting additional police presence in neighborhoods with schools.
District leaders are also providing resources to families dealing with grief and other emotions stemming from the incident.
Peters, a 4th grader in the Chippewa Falls School District, was expected home early Sunday evening. Her parents reported her missing at about 9 PM, and police say her body was found roughly 12 hours later near a walking trail.
