Nationwide — Andrew Wiley, an African American father from Tallahassee, Florida, accused of killing his 12-year-old daughter, reportedly died in jail from natural causes before his trial.
Authorities say Wiley killed Lori on June 1, 2023, then dumped her body in a wooded area in Georgia the next day. Wiley reported her missing on June 3, claiming she left home with her backpack while he was at work.
For nearly a year, detectives followed leads across several states. In early 2024, they found inconsistencies in Wiley’s story and searched his home. His phone contained internet searches about remote areas with bodies of water in Alabama and Georgia, which investigators found suspicious.
State Attorney Jack Campbell revealed that evidence suggested Wiley may have sexually assaulted Lori and possibly gotten her pregnant before killing her. He said Wiley likely acted alone, and the murder may have been either premeditated or a crime of passion after a confrontation.
Prosecutors were unlikely to seek the death penalty due to a lack of clear evidence showing the murder was planned in advance. Campbell also said there’s no way to confirm what Lori’s final moments were like.
Though some questioned Wiley’s sudden death in jail, Campbell said there’s no current evidence pointing to foul play. According to a family member, Wiley continued to claim he was innocent until his death.