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Written by: A. Smith
Published April 14, 2025 @ 11:55 AM ET
Update: A Florida man accused of killing his 12-year-old daughter after her remains were found in a wooded area of south Georgia has died while in custody two months after he was arrested, according to authorities.
Andrew Wiley, 36, was facing a second-degree murder charge in the death of his daughter, Lori Paige, whose disappearance in June 2023 sparked a multi-state investigation. The child’s remains were discovered nearly two years later in Thomas County, Georgia.
A preliminary report from the medical examiner found Wiley died of natural causes linked to a pulmonary embolism, which occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to an artery in the lungs. He was being held at the Leon County Detention Facility at the time of his death.
Prosecutors say that the evidence indicates that Wiley sexually assaulted Lori and may have killed her after learning she could be pregnant. The state was unlikely to seek the death penalty due to insufficient evidence to prove premeditation.
Wiley reported his daughter missing on June 3, 2023, claiming she left with a backpack while he was working an overnight shift. But investigators said his story changed over time, and a search of his phone revealed concerning internet searches about remote areas in Georgia and Alabama with access to water.
Campbell said the evidence pointed to Lori being killed on June 1, with her body likely dumped the next day. Despite public speculation, Campbell said there is no current evidence suggesting Wiley’s death was anything but natural.
The case, which has drawn attention for nearly two years, will now close without prosecution.
A relative said Wiley maintained his innocence until the end.
THOMAS COUNTY, Ga. – Human remains found in a wooded area of south Georgia have been identified as a 12-year-old Florida girl who vanished nearly two years ago, and her father is now facing a murder charge.
Lori Paige was last seen in June 2023 in Tallahassee, Florida. At the time, the FBI believed she may have traveled to south Georgia.
Over the weekend, investigators located a body in a heavily wooded area of Thomas County, Georgia, commonly referred to by locals as a plantation. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement later confirmed the remains belonged to Paige.
Her father, 36-year-old Andrew Wiley, has been arrested and charged with her murder.
Wiley initially told police that Paige had left home with her backpack while he was working an overnight shift. However, authorities said his account began to shift over time. A search of his phone showed internet searches about secluded areas in Georgia and Alabama that included bodies of water.
“This case has deeply impacted our community for nearly two years,” said Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell. “Lori deserved a safe home and a full life. While today’s arrest will never bring her back, it does bring us one step closer to justice.”
During a brief hearing Saturday morning, State Attorney Jack Campbell asked Judge Anthony Miller to deny bond for Wiley on his second-degree murder charge. The state also requested that Wiley be barred from having contact with several of his and Lori’s family members.
Judge Miller approved both requests.
Wiley will remain in the Leon County Jail until his next court hearing.