Tallahassee Tragedy: Missing Teen Lori Paige Found Dead, Father Andrew Wiley Arrested in Georgia
TALLAHASSEE, FL — The nearly year-long search for 13-year-old Lori Paige, a Griffin Middle School student who vanished in June 2023, has ended in tragedy. Authorities announced that Lori’s remains were discovered earlier this month in Thomas County, Georgia, and her father, 36-year-old Andrew Wiley, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection to her death.
The heartbreaking update was shared Friday, April 11, during a press conference held by the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD). Police Chief Lawrence Revell confirmed that Lori’s body was found on April 5, 2025, at the Merrily Plantation—a remote, heavily wooded area in Georgia, just across the state line.
Lori had last been seen in the Continental Court neighborhood in Tallahassee on June 3, 2023. At the time, Wiley told police his daughter had left home overnight with her backpack while he was at work. However, after nearly 10 months of relentless investigation, law enforcement officials uncovered critical discrepancies in Wiley’s initial report.
In February 2024, detectives seized a smartphone from Wiley’s residence. A forensic analysis revealed troubling online activity, including searches related to concealed and remote locations near bodies of water in Alabama and Georgia. Investigators also began to reassess Wiley’s relationship with his daughter, identifying patterns and behaviors that prompted a sharper focus on him as a suspect.
TPD launched several targeted searches across state lines, eventually narrowing their attention to the Merrily Plantation in Thomas County. Although earlier search efforts yielded no results, detectives returned to the location on April 5 after a routine prescribed burn cleared thick brush. It was during this renewed effort that human remains were discovered.
The remains were transported and processed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Forensic confirmation later identified them as those of Lori Paige.
“Today’s announcement brings a sorrowful end to the hope that Lori would return home safely,” said Police Chief Revell. “She deserved a safe home and a full life. While the arrest of her father cannot undo this unimaginable loss, it is a critical step toward justice.”
Andrew Wiley was taken into custody, though authorities did not disclose the exact location or date of his arrest. He currently faces charges of second-degree murder, and additional charges may follow as the investigation continues.
The case has deeply shaken the Tallahassee community, drawing attention from state and national agencies throughout the investigation. Lori’s disappearance and tragic death highlight ongoing concerns about child safety and the importance of timely, thorough investigations in missing child cases.
Law enforcement officials have pledged to continue working with state and local partners as legal proceedings move forward. Community members, educators, and advocates are also rallying to ensure Lori’s memory lives on, with several local groups already organizing vigils and support events for those affected by her loss.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as new details emerge.
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