Florida Father Dies in Custody Following Arrest for Daughter’s Murder
TALLAHASSEE, FL— Andrew Wiley, a 36-year-old Florida man charged with the murder of his 12-year-old daughter, Lori Paige, has died in custody after experiencing a medical emergency, law enforcement officials reported on Thursday. Wiley was taken into custody earlier this year and had been facing serious charges related to the tragic case.
Tragic Timeline of Events
In June 2023, Wiley allegedly murdered Lori Paige and disposed of her body in a wooded area in Thomas County, Georgia. Her remains were discovered in April 2023, leading to his arrest. When questioned, Wiley claimed that Lori had left their home with a backpack while he worked a night shift. However, investigators noted inconsistencies in his account that raised suspicions.
- Initial Discovery: Lori’s body was found in April 2023.
- Charges Filed: Wiley faced second-degree murder charges shortly thereafter.
In the wake of her disappearance, police initially labeled Lori as a "runaway," though this characterization has since been revised. Authorities are now focusing on the circumstances surrounding her death.
Concerning Evidence
Investigators uncovered alarming evidence suggesting a pattern of possible abuse prior to the murder. Reports indicated that purchases made by Wiley right before Lori’s death pointed to potentially abusive behavior, including activity that may have had a sexual nature.
Notably, hours after allegedly dumping his daughter’s body, Wiley purchased a plane ticket from Jacksonville, Florida, to Puerto Rico. He traveled to Jacksonville but returned to Tallahassee under unclear circumstances.
Search and Seizure
In February, a search of Wiley’s vehicle yielded disturbing findings, including a pistol, ammunition, and cleaning products—some of which were specifically designed to remove blood stains. Investigators found traces of Paige’s blood on the car’s carpet, raising serious questions about Wiley’s claims. In addition, his phone contained searches related to remote bodies of water in Alabama and Georgia, further complicating the case against him.
The cause of Wiley’s death in custody remains undisclosed, and an investigation is ongoing.
As this case continues to develop, many questions remain unanswered regarding both Lori Paige’s death and the circumstances leading to her father’s demise. Law enforcement agencies are expected to provide further updates as more information becomes available.
For anyone interested in the ongoing investigation or seeking more information on crime prevention, local officials are encouraging community engagement and awareness.
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