In June 2023, the quiet city of Tallahassee, Florida, was shaken by the disappearance of 12-year-old Lori Paige. Her father, Andrew Wiley, reported her missing, claiming she had left home overnight with her backpack while he was at work. What followed was a nearly two-year investigation that unraveled a devastating truth, leaving a community grieving and searching for answers. This blog post dives into the heartbreaking case of Andrew Wiley and the loss of his daughter, Lori Paige, exploring the investigation, key developments, and the impact on those who followed the story.
Biography Of Andrew Wiley and Lori Paige
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Andrew Wiley |
| Age | 36 years old (at time of arrest in 2025) |
| Residence | Tallahassee, Florida |
| Relation to Case | Father of Lori Paige, charged with second-degree murder |
| Name | Lori Paige |
| Age | 12 years old (at time of disappearance in 2023) |
| Date Reported Missing | June 3, 2023 |
| Date Remains Found | April 5, 2025 |
| Location of Remains | Thomas County, Georgia, in a remote brush-covered area |
| Investigation Duration | 22 months |
The Disappearance of Lori Paige: A Father’s Report
On June 3, 2023, Andrew Wiley contacted the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) to report his 12-year-old daughter, Lori Paige, missing. According to Wiley, Lori had left their home sometime overnight, taking only her backpack. He claimed he was at work during the time she vanished, leaving the community and authorities puzzled. Lori was described as a bright and curious young girl, making her sudden disappearance all the more alarming.
The TPD immediately launched an investigation, rallying community members and law enforcement to search for the missing girl. Flyers with Lori’s picture were distributed across Tallahassee, and her story gained attention on social media platforms, with hashtags like #FindLoriPaige trending locally. For months, volunteers combed through neighborhoods, parks, and nearby areas, hoping for any sign of the young girl.
A 22-Month Investigation: Persistence and Breakthroughs
The investigation into Lori Paige’s disappearance spanned 22 months, with the TPD pursuing hundreds of leads across Florida, Georgia, and beyond. Detectives conducted interviews, analyzed digital evidence, and performed extensive searches, but early efforts yielded few answers. The case seemed to stall, leaving Lori’s loved ones and the Tallahassee community desperate for closure.
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Early Leads and Challenges
In the summer of 2023, the TPD followed leads that took them across state lines, chasing tips and potential sightings. However, many of these leads turned out to be dead ends. The dense vegetation and remote areas surrounding Tallahassee posed challenges for search teams, and initial searches in nearby counties found no trace of Lori.
Despite these setbacks, the TPD remained committed. Chief Lawrence Revell addressed the community early in the investigation, promising, “We will never give up. We will find Lori and bring her home.” His words became a rallying cry for investigators and residents alike.
Digital Evidence Uncovers Disturbing Clues
A significant breakthrough came in February 2024, when authorities seized a phone from Andrew Wiley’s residence. Forensic analysis revealed troubling internet searches, including queries about remote areas with bodies of water in Alabama and Georgia. These findings raised red flags, prompting investigators to take a closer look at Wiley’s account of events.
By March 2024, inconsistencies in Wiley’s statements began to emerge. Detectives noted discrepancies in his timeline and uncovered new information about his relationship with Lori. The focus of the investigation shifted, with Wiley becoming a primary person of interest.
The Discovery in Thomas County
In early 2024, searches in a remote, brush-covered area of Thomas County, Georgia—locally known as a plantation—yielded no results. However, a prescribed burn in April 2025 cleared the dense vegetation, allowing investigators to return to the site. On April 5, 2025, human remains were discovered. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement later confirmed they belonged to Lori Paige.
The discovery was a devastating blow to the community but marked a turning point in the case. With physical evidence in hand, the TPD moved closer to holding someone accountable for Lori’s death.
Andrew Wiley’s Arrest: A Community Seeks Justice
On March 11, 2025, nearly two years after Lori was reported missing, the TPD announced the arrest of Andrew Wiley. The 36-year-old father was charged with second-degree murder in connection with his daughter’s death. The arrest followed what Chief Revell described as a “comprehensive and exhaustive” investigation.
During a press conference, Revell addressed the community, saying, “I told you two years ago that we would find who did this and bring them to justice. Today, we have done just that.” He acknowledged the toll the case had taken, noting, “This case has deeply impacted our community for nearly two years.”
The announcement brought a mix of relief and sorrow. While the arrest marked a step toward justice, it could not undo the loss of a young life. Lori Paige, who deserved a safe home and a bright future, was gone, and her father stood accused of her murder.
The Impact on Tallahassee: A Community in Mourning
Lori Paige’s disappearance and death left an indelible mark on Tallahassee. For 22 months, residents held vigils, shared her story, and supported her family. Local schools offered counseling to students who knew Lori, and community organizations raised funds to aid the search efforts.
The case also sparked discussions about child safety and the importance of community vigilance. Parents in Tallahassee began advocating for stronger protections for children, including better resources for missing persons cases. Lori’s story became a catalyst for change, inspiring residents to come together in her memory.
FAQ: Understanding the Andrew Wiley and Lori Paige Case
Q: Who was Lori Paige?
A: Lori Paige was a 12-year-old girl from Tallahassee, Florida, reported missing by her father, Andrew Wiley, on June 3, 2023. Her remains were found in April 2025.
Q: What happened to Lori Paige?
A: Lori was reported missing in June 2023. After a 22-month investigation, her remains were discovered in Thomas County, Georgia, and her father was charged with second-degree murder.
Q: Why was Andrew Wiley arrested?
A: Andrew Wiley was arrested after inconsistencies in his statements, troubling internet searches, and new information about his relationship with Lori came to light during the investigation.
Q: How long did the investigation take?
A: The investigation lasted 22 months, from June 2023 to March 2025, when Wiley was arrested.
Q: How did authorities find Lori’s remains?
A: Lori’s remains were found in a remote area of Thomas County, Georgia, after a prescribed burn cleared dense brush, allowing investigators to locate them on April 5, 2025.
Q: How has the community responded?
A: The Tallahassee community has mourned Lori’s loss through vigils, advocacy for child safety, and support for her loved ones, while seeking justice in her name.
Conclusion
The story of Lori Paige and Andrew Wiley is a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community. While Lori’s life was cut short, her memory lives on in the hearts of those who searched for her, prayed for her, and fought for justice. Her story inspires us to hold our loved ones close, advocate for the vulnerable, and support one another in times of crisis. As Tallahassee heals, Lori’s legacy serves as a call to action—to create a safer, more compassionate world for all children. Let us honor her by working toward a future where no child is lost to tragedy.
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