A Wisconsin teenager facing charges for the murder of his 10-year-old cousin, Lily Peters, might not go to trial in November, as a resolution hearing has been set for August 26.
Carson Peters-Berger, now 18, was scheduled for trial on various charges, including first-degree intentional homicide and sexual assault in connection with Lily’s death in 2022. Chippewa County District Attorney’s Office announced the resolution hearing date, according to WEAU.
Details Surrounding Lily’s Death
Lily Peters was killed in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, in April 2022, at the age of 10. Chippewa County District Attorney Wade Newell stated the scheduled resolution suggests the case will not proceed to trial and will conclude after the hearing. Yet, Peters-Berger’s defense attorney, Michael Cohen, shared with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that this hearing could address key issues determining if a trial is warranted.
Court documents don’t specify the resolution expected at the hearing. Lily was reported missing on April 24, 2022, after failing to return from her aunt’s home.
Investigation Findings
Her father found her bicycle in a wooded area in Chippewa Falls, but initial police efforts didn’t locate her. The next morning, officials discovered her body near where the bicycle was found. A criminal complaint noted injuries aligned with blunt force trauma.
During police questioning, Peters-Berger, then 14, allegedly admitted suggesting that Lily explore off the trail. The complaint states he punched Lily in the stomach, causing her to fall, and later assaulted her with a stick.
He allegedly also acknowledged strangling Lily and trying to sexually assault her postmortem. Following the act, Peters-Berger returned home, showered, and washed his clothes, as per the complaint.
Further Allegations and Charges
Upon learning Lily was missing, Peters-Berger allegedly sought to better conceal her body, dragging it a short distance and covering it with leaves. Charges include first-degree intentional homicide, first-degree sexual assault, and sexual assault of a child under age 13, with severe bodily harm. Conviction for the homicide charge could result in a life sentence.
Fox News Digital reached out to both the Chippewa County District Attorney’s Office and Peters-Berger’s defense team for more comments.
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