The teenager accused of killing his 10-year-old cousin, Lily Peters, in 2022 might not undergo a November trial as a resolution hearing has been set. More than four years since Lily’s death, 18-year-old Carson Peters-Berger was expected to face trial in November on several charges, including first-degree intentional homicide and sexual assault, linked to his cousin’s death.
The Chippewa County District Attorney’s Office announced a resolution hearing for August 26, according to WEAU. District Attorney Wade Newell stated that this arrangement means the case will bypass trial, concluding after the hearing. However, Peters-Berger’s defense attorney, Michael Cohen, indicated to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that the proceeding would address issues determining whether a trial will ensue. The nature of the resolution to be presented remains unspecified in court records for the upcoming hearing.
Lily was reported missing by her father on April 24, 2022, after failing to return home from her aunt’s house. Her father later discovered Lily’s bicycle in a wooded area in Chippewa Falls, but the initial police search failed to locate her.
Authorities were alerted the following morning when Lily’s body was found nearby. Investigators confirmed her injuries aligned with blunt force trauma.
During a police interview, Peters-Berger, then 14, allegedly invited Lily to “go exploring off the trail.” The complaint states Peters-Berger allegedly “punched [Lily] in the stomach, knocking her to the ground” and struck her with a stick while they were in the woods.
He allegedly told investigators about strangling Lily and attempting a sexual assault post-mortem. Peters-Berger then returned home, showered, and laundered his clothes.
Upon learning of Lily’s missing status, Peters-Berger allegedly decided to “hide her better.” He reportedly returned to the scene, dragged her body a few feet, and covered her with leaves.
Peters-Berger faces charges of first-degree intentional homicide, first-degree sexual assault, and sexual assault of a child under 13 causing great bodily harm. Conviction on the most severe charge could lead to a life sentence. Fox News Digital sought additional comments from the Chippewa County District Attorney’s Office and Cohen.