Remains of Missing Georgia Girl Lori Paige Discovered After Two Years; Father Charged With Murder in Heartbreaking Turn of Events

TALLAHASSEE, FL — April 11, 2025 — What began as a missing child case filled with uncertainty and desperate pleas for answers has now turned into a devastating tragedy, as authorities confirm that the remains of 8-year-old Lori Paige were uncovered in rural Georgia — nearly two years after she vanished without a trace. Her father, Andrew Wiley, who had reported her missing in 2023, now faces murder charges after mounting evidence revealed his involvement in her death and an elaborate cover-up.

A Grim Discovery Amid the Ashes

The heartbreaking case took a turn when a controlled burn aimed at clearing underbrush in a remote wooded area of southern Georgia unexpectedly revealed human bones. Fire crews notified local authorities immediately. Forensic investigators were dispatched, and within days, DNA analysis confirmed the remains belonged to Lori Paige — the little girl whose disappearance had haunted her family, friends, and the Tallahassee community for nearly two years.

The Father’s Deception Unravels

Andrew Wiley, Lori’s biological father, had been considered cooperative in the early stages of the investigation. In June 2023, he reported his daughter missing, claiming she wandered away from a family camping trip near the Georgia-Florida border. However, inconsistencies in his story raised red flags early on.

As the investigation progressed, authorities discovered damning digital evidence, including internet searches from Wiley’s phone around the time of Lori’s disappearance. Among them: “how to hide a body near water,” “decompose timeline,” and “shallow grave depth.”

Despite the suspicious behavior, no concrete physical evidence had surfaced — until the forest fire peeled back the earth, uncovering what Wiley had tried so hard to keep buried.

A Mother’s Unyielding Fight

Lori’s mother, Jasmine Carter, never stopped searching. Her social media became a platform for hope and grief — a space where she posted updates, organized search efforts, and begged for leads. She frequently questioned Wiley’s account, writing in one now widely shared post:

“If I had Lori, I’d know where she is. Andrew won’t even say her name.”

Carter’s heartbreak was compounded by the silence and lack of resolution. For 22 months, she pushed investigators and the public to keep Lori’s name alive.

Forensic Breakthrough

Once the remains were found, a multidisciplinary forensic team from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation worked swiftly to confirm the identity using dental records and mitochondrial DNA. Soil samples and bone analysis indicated that Lori had likely died within days of her disappearance and that her body had been intentionally concealed in a shallow grave — mere yards from a creek.

The positioning of the grave, along with Wiley’s search history and GPS data from his phone, led authorities to formally arrest him this week. He was taken into custody without incident at his home in Jacksonville, Florida.

Community Grieves

The news has shaken Tallahassee, where Lori was a third-grader known for her bright smile, curiosity, and love of animals. Teachers and classmates who once posted “Bring Lori Home” flyers are now mourning her loss.

“She lit up every room she walked into,” said Ms. Hernandez, Lori’s third-grade teacher. “She asked questions most adults wouldn’t think to ask. She was bold, brilliant, and kind.”

Vigils are planned in both Tallahassee and near the site in Georgia where her remains were found. Community members have begun leaving flowers, stuffed animals, and hand-written notes beneath a tree near her former school.

Justice in Motion

Andrew Wiley is currently being held without bail at a correctional facility in Georgia and is expected to face multiple charges, including felony murder, abuse of a corpse, obstruction of justice, and filing a false police report. A preliminary court hearing is scheduled for next week.

District Attorney Carla Henderson vowed to pursue the case aggressively:

“Lori Paige deserved to grow up surrounded by love, not lies. We will not rest until justice is fully served for this beautiful child.”

A Life Stolen, A Name Remembered

The story of Lori Paige is one of innocence lost and a community’s enduring pain. Her tragic end stands as a sobering reminder of the darkness that can lie behind even the most familiar faces — and the importance of never giving up when something feels wrong.

As investigators continue to piece together Lori’s final days, the world is left to mourn a life that should have been filled with birthdays, dreams, and promise.

May Lori Paige be remembered for her light — and may justice be swift.