THOMAS COUNTY- After a comprehensive and exhaustive 22-month investigation into the disappearance of 12-year-old Lori Paige, the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) has arrested her father, 36-year-old Andrew Wiley, on charges of second-degree murder.

Since Paige’s disappearance in June 2023, TPD detectives, along with investigators from the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) have pursued hundreds of leads, conducted interviews across multiple states, examined digital evidence, and searched extensively across North Florida and South Georgia. The case evolved significantly over time, with key developments ultimately leading to Wiley’s arrest.

On June 3, 2023, Paige was reported missing by her father. At the time, he claimed she left home with her backpack overnight while he was at work.

From the summer of 2023 into early 2024, detectives pursued hundreds of leads across state lines, but Paige was never located. As detectives pursued leads, the original story provided by Wiley begins to show inconsistencies, as he also relocates to Thomas County.

It was during this time, that TPD contacted TCSO to assist in a search warrant on Wiley’s apartment in Thomasville.

On February 2, 2024, TCSO seized a phone from Wiley’s residence, where a forensic analysis uncovered questionable internet searches about remote areas with bodies of water in Alabama and Georgia among other things.

The phone’s digital evidence pinpointed detectives to Merrily Plantation, a remote, brush-covered area in Thomas County.

TCSO Sheriff Tim Watkins, along with TPD Chief Lawrence Revell, and numerous other law enforcement officials conducted multiple searches in the area, but were unable to locate Paige.

However, everything changed on April 5, 2025.

A prescribed burn was conducted in the area that cleared heavy brush, allowing detectives to return for an additional search. While there, they located human remains.

“We were not a part of the initial search,” Watkins said. “They contacted us after they found what they thought to be human remains and assisted in the search.”

The search continued into Tuesday, April 8, at which point the remains were sent and processed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and identified as those of Paige.

Revell shared his gratitude to all those involved in helping the community and Paige get justice.

“This case has deeply impacted our community for nearly two years,” he said in a statement. “Lori deserved a safe home and a full life. While the arrest will never bring her back, it does bring us one step closer to justice.”

The arrest of Wiley is a testament to TPD’s unwavering commitment to solving violent crimes and bringing justice to victims and their loved ones through various partnerships.

“TPD extends its sincerest gratitude to the many officers, community members, and partner agencies who supported this case,” Revell said. “Your efforts helped ensure that Lori Paige’s story would not be forgotten.”

On Saturday, Wiley was denied bond on his second-degree murder charge. Judge Anthony Miller also accepted State Attorney Jack Campbell’s request that Wiley be barred from having contact with several of his and Paige’s family members. While Paige’s story is familiar to those in the Tallahassee community, it may soon take precedence in Thomasville, as a venue for where the crime took place is being discussed.

“We don’t know yet who will end up with venue,” Watkins said. “We don’t know if he will be tried in Florida or Georgia, so we are working with TPD and FDLE to see it through.”

Despite the venue not being established, Wiley could face the death penalty in both Florida or Georgia, if sought.

Watkins offered his condolences to the family, especially Paige’s grandmother, who has been distraught throughout the investigation, and hopes the arrest of Wiley can bring her one step closer to closure.