Tragedy in Tallahassee: The Heartbreaking Case of Lori Paige’s Disappearance and Death

In the quiet city of Tallahassee, Florida, the disappearance of 13-year-old Lori Paige in June 2023 sent shockwaves through the community. A vibrant middle schooler at Griffin Middle School, Lori’s absence left her loved ones and neighbors desperate for answers. For nearly two years, the mystery of her whereabouts gripped the region, with police and residents holding onto hope for her safe return. Tragically, on April 5, 2025, those hopes were shattered when Lori’s remains were discovered at Merrily Plantation in Thomas County, Georgia. Even more devastating, her father, Andrew Wiley, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection to her death.

This blog post delves into the heart-wrenching story of Lori Paige, exploring the timeline of her disappearance, the investigation that uncovered chilling details, and the impact her loss has had on Tallahassee. This article aims to honor Lori’s memory while providing readers with a comprehensive look at the case that has left a lasting mark on the community.

Lori Paige Missing Tallahassee FL

Lori was a typical teenager with dreams and aspirations, attending Griffin Middle School in Tallahassee. Known to her teachers and friends as a bright and kind-hearted individual, her sudden disappearance left a void in the lives of those who knew her. As we reflect on her life, it’s important to remember Lori not just as a victim but as a young girl whose story deserves to be told with respect and care.

The Disappearance: A Mystery Begins

In June 2023, Lori Paige vanished from her home in Tallahassee’s Continental Court neighborhood. According to her father, Andrew Wiley, then 36 years old, Lori left home overnight with her backpack while he was at work. On June 3, Wiley reported her missing to the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD), sparking a search that would span nearly two years.

The community rallied together, organizing vigils and spreading the word about Lori’s disappearance. Flyers with her photo were posted across Tallahassee, and social media campaigns urged anyone with information to come forward. At the time, there was no indication that the case would take the dark turn it eventually did. For months, detectives followed leads, conducted interviews, and searched for clues, but Lori remained missing.

Early Investigation Efforts

The Tallahassee Police Department took Lori’s disappearance seriously from the start. Detectives traveled across multiple states, chasing leads and speaking with potential witnesses. Despite their efforts, the case seemed to stall, with no significant breakthroughs in the early months. The lack of progress frustrated Lori’s loved ones, who continued to hold out hope for her safe return.

As the investigation progressed, police began to notice inconsistencies in Andrew Wiley’s account of the events leading up to Lori’s disappearance. His claim that she left home on her own raised questions, prompting detectives to dig deeper into his story. This shift in focus would eventually lead to shocking revelations that changed the course of the investigation.

A Breakthrough in the Case

In February 2024, nearly eight months after Lori went missing, detectives obtained a significant piece of evidence: a phone seized from Andrew Wiley’s home. A forensic analysis of the device uncovered disturbing information, including internet searches related to remote areas with bodies of water in Alabama and Georgia. These searches raised red flags, suggesting that Wiley may have been involved in something far more sinister than initially thought.

Around the same time, new details emerged about Wiley’s relationship with his daughter. Police noted that this information caused them to focus more heavily on him as a person of interest. While the specifics of their findings were not publicly disclosed, it was clear that the investigation had taken a critical turn.

Searching Merrily Plantation

Based on the new evidence, detectives began searching a remote, heavily wooded area in Thomas County, Georgia, known locally as Merrily Plantation. The area was difficult to navigate, covered in dense brush that made searches challenging. Multiple attempts to locate evidence in the plantation yielded no results, leaving investigators frustrated but determined.

In early April 2025, a prescribed burn cleared much of the heavy vegetation in the area, giving detectives a new opportunity to search the plantation. On April 5, their persistence paid off. During a renewed search, authorities discovered human remains in the cleared area. The remains were sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for processing and were soon identified as those of Lori Paige.

A Devastating Confirmation

The discovery of Lori’s remains marked a tragic end to the nearly two-year search for the missing teen. On April 11, 2025, Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell held a press conference to announce the heartbreaking news. Standing before the media, Revell confirmed that Lori Paige had been found dead and that her father, Andrew Wiley, had been arrested in connection to her death.

Wiley, who was booked into the Leon County Jail that evening, faces a second-degree murder charge. While Revell did not disclose the exact details of Wiley’s arrest or the evidence linking him to the crime, he emphasized the profound impact Lori’s case had on the community.

“Lori deserved a safe home and a full life,” Revell said during the press conference. “While today’s arrest will never bring her back, it does bring us one step closer to justice.”

Wiley’s first court appearance was scheduled for the following morning, April 12, 2025. As the case moves forward, prosecutors and investigators continue to build their case against him, while the community grapples with the loss of a young life taken too soon.

The Community’s Response

Lori Paige’s disappearance and death have left an indelible mark on Tallahassee. For nearly two years, residents held vigils, shared her story, and prayed for her safe return. The confirmation of her death brought a mix of grief and anger, as many struggled to comprehend how such a tragedy could unfold.

Griffin Middle School, where Lori was a student, issued a statement expressing their sorrow and offering support to students and staff affected by the news. Counselors were made available to help young people process the loss of their peer, and community organizations stepped in to provide resources for those in need.

The case has also sparked conversations about child safety and the importance of recognizing warning signs in familial relationships. Advocates for missing and exploited children have pointed to Lori’s story as a reminder of the need for vigilance and support systems to protect vulnerable youth.

Why This Story Matters

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FAQ: Common Questions About Lori Paige’s Case

Q: Who was Lori Paige?
A: Lori Paige was a 13-year-old student at Griffin Middle School in Tallahassee, Florida, who went missing in June 2023. Her remains were found in April 2025.

Q: What happened to Lori Paige?
A: Lori was reported missing by her father in June 2023. Her remains were discovered on April 5, 2025, at Merrily Plantation in Thomas County, Georgia. Her father, Andrew Wiley, has been charged with second-degree murder in connection to her death.

Q: Where was Lori Paige found?
A: Lori’s remains were located at Merrily Plantation, a remote area in Thomas County, Georgia, after a prescribed burn cleared the area for a police search.

Q: Who is Andrew Wiley?
A: Andrew Wiley is Lori Paige’s 36-year-old father, who reported her missing in June 2023. He was arrested on April 11, 2025, and charged with second-degree murder.

Q: How did the police find Lori Paige’s remains?
A: After months of searching Merrily Plantation, police returned to the area on April 5, 2025, following a prescribed burn that cleared heavy brush. During this search, Lori’s remains were discovered.

Q: What is the current status of the case?
A: Andrew Wiley is in custody at the Leon County Jail, with his first court appearance scheduled for April 12, 2025. The investigation is ongoing, and updates are expected as the case progresses.

Conclusion

The story of Lori Paige is a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community vigilance. While her time on this earth was cut tragically short, her memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew her and the countless others touched by her story. Lori’s case inspires us to advocate for the safety of children, to support families in crisis, and to hold those responsible for harm accountable.

As Tallahassee mourns the loss of a bright young soul, we are reminded to cherish our loved ones and work toward a world where every child can grow up in safety and love. Lori Paige deserved a full life, and though justice cannot undo the pain of her loss, it can pave the way for healing and change. Let her story be a call to action—a commitment to protecting the most vulnerable among us and ensuring that no child’s light is extinguished too soon.