A teenager is facing multiple charges following the gruesome murder of a 10-year-old girl in Wisconsin.
Young Lily Peters went missing last Sunday on her way home from her aunt’s home in Chippewa Falls.
Alerted by the child’s father, the police had discovered his body on Monday in a wooded area of the municipality.
The investigation quickly led to the arrest of a 14-year-old boy who was charged with first degree murder, first degree sexual assault and first degree sexual assault of a minor under the age of 13.
“The defendant told investigators that he intended to rape and kill the victim from the start,” prosecutor Wade Newell said.
The boy, who is identified only by his initials “CP-B”, reportedly said he punched Lily in the stomach while she was on the ground.
“He strangled her to death before sexually assaulting her,” the prosecutor told CNN.
According to Chippewa Falls Police Chief Matthew Kelm, the accused knew the victim. However, he did not provide further details on this point.
The accused remains detained until his next appearance on May 5.
Prosecutor Wade Newell said it was too early to know if he will be tried as an adult. The charge of first degree murder is an adult charge in Wisconsin.