A Florida man has been arrested and charged with the murder of his daughter, Lorie Paige, who was reported missing nearly two years ago. The remains of the 12-year-old were discovered earlier this month, leading to the arrest of her father, Andrew Wy, 36, on charges of second-degree murder.
Lorie Paige vanished without a trace on June 3, 2023, prompting an extensive search that involved local law enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Wy was the first to report her missing, claiming that she left home with her backpack while he was at work. However, investigators soon found inconsistencies in his account, which led to increasing scrutiny of his actions and statements.
Throughout the investigation, which lasted 22 months, detectives uncovered troubling details about Lorie’s life prior to her disappearance. She had previously been in the custody of the Department of Children and Families and had a history of running away from home. Witnesses described her as a bright and kind child, but also noted signs of distress and neglect, including instances where she appeared at school without shoes.
Despite the community’s efforts to find Lorie, which included a reward of $15,000 for information leading to her return, no significant leads emerged for months. In early 2024, police began to focus more intensely on Wy as inconsistencies in his statements continued to mount. A pivotal moment occurred when investigators seized a phone from Wy’s residence, revealing questionable internet searches about remote areas in Alabama and Georgia, which raised further suspicions.
As the investigation progressed, police executed extensive searches in Thomas County, Georgia, but yielded no results until a prescribed burn in April 2025 cleared dense brush in the area. This allowed detectives to conduct another search, during which they located human remains. Following analysis, the remains were identified as belonging to Lorie Paige.
The circumstances surrounding Lorie’s disappearance and death have shocked the Tallahassee community. Court documents indicate that Wy made preparations to flee shortly before reporting his daughter missing, including purchasing a one-way ticket to Puerto Rico. Additionally, investigators allege that he destroyed electronic devices to cover his tracks and possessed cleaning materials that could potentially remove blood.
While Wy’s family has launched a GoFundMe campaign claiming he is innocent, the evidence against him appears substantial. If convicted, Wy faces a potential life sentence in prison. Legal experts note that the case, which lacks direct witness testimony, will rely heavily on circumstantial and digital evidence, including the nature of his internet searches and the forensic analysis of the remains.
As the investigation continues, Wy has been denied bond and is prohibited from contacting certain family members. The community, still grappling with the tragic loss, awaits further developments in a case that has left many searching for answers and justice for Lorie Paige.