Tallahassee Community Unites to Honor Lori Paige

News Summary

The Tallahassee community gathers to honor 12-year-old Lori Paige following the heartbreaking discovery of her remains. A memorial service will take place on April 22, 2025, to celebrate her life amidst ongoing legal proceedings against her father, Andrew Wiley, charged with murder. The tragic case emphasizes the importance of community solidarity and raising awareness for child safety.

Tallahassee Community Unites to Honor Lori Paige After Heartbreaking Discovery

In a touching display of love and support, the community of Tallahassee is coming together to honor the life of 12-year-old Lori Paige, a student from Griffin Middle School. After a long two-year search, which gripped the community’s heart, Lori’s remains were discovered in Thomas County, Georgia, on April 5, 2025. The news of her tragic fate has shaken many, and now, family, friends, and community members are preparing to pay their respects.

Memorial Service Scheduled

A memorial service is set to take place on April 22, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Tallahassee. This heartfelt event is open to anyone wishing to come and celebrate Lori’s life, offer condolences, or share memories. The service will be managed by J.P. Moore Mortuary and Cremation Services, and attendees are encouraged to bring flowers and warm words of remembrance.

As a special tribute, a touching poem titled “In God’s Care” has been published on the mortuary’s website alongside Lori’s obituary, touching hearts and providing solace to those mourning her loss.

Timeline of Events

Lori was reported missing by her father, Andrew Wiley, on June 3, 2023. It was expressed that she left home with a backpack while he was at work, but as the investigation unfolded, detectives found multiple inconsistencies in Wiley’s story that raised alarms. Over the nearly two years of searching, the Tallahassee Police Department pursued numerous leads, using billboards and outreach to help locate the missing girl.

The investigation took a darker turn as court documents pointed to possible ongoing abuse. With new evidence surfacing, including DNA found in Wiley’s vehicle, authorities moved swiftly to charge him with second-degree murder. It’s genuinely heartbreaking to learn that investigators found evidence indicating Lori had been injured in his vehicle prior to the discovery of her remains.

Brought to Justice

Wiley’s attempts to evade capture included reportedly trying to destroy evidence and even considering fleeing the country. This alarming behavior confirmed the seriousness of the allegations against him. As the investigation moved forward, Chief Lawrence Revell expressed a mix of sadness and pride at being able to close the case, despite the tragic outcome.

As of April 2025, police do not expect any additional arrests in connection with Lori’s death, allowing the community to focus on healing and supporting each other through this devastating loss.

An Ongoing Journey

During the extended search for Lori, the community played a significant role, mobilizing volunteers who stood in solidarity to bring her home. This collective effort at times felt like a beacon of hope, uniting people in a common goal. Now, the heart-wrenching narrative has shifted from a search to a quest for justice, as prosecutors build their case against Wiley.

Amidst the tragedy, there are lessons to be learned. The Tallahassee Police Department has reflected on the importance of accurately classifying missing children cases, recognizing the need for terminology that emphasizes the gravity of such situations in the future. Lori’s case has sparked essential discussions that may help protect other children in our community.

As court hearings commence, with Wiley’s initial appearances denying him bond, the focus turns toward achieving justice for Lori. The community continues to stand strong, ready to remember their cherished young girl who has touched so many lives, and to advocate for change, ensuring that no child should endure what Lori went through.

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Additional Resources

• Tallahassee Democrat: Memorial Service for Lori Paige
• WTXL: New Details About Lori Paige Case
• Tallahassee Democrat: How Police Cracked the Lori Paige Case
• WSBTV: Dad Charged with Lori Paige’s Murder
• Google Search: Lori Paige