Peters-Berger pleads guilty in homicide of Lily Peters, sentenced to life in prison

CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. (WEAU) – A major development in the criminal case against the man accused of killing 10-year-old Lily Peters is taking place in Chippewa County Court.

“I think this tragedy opened up a lot of eyes to just how fragile things are for all of us,” Dana Whitcome, a stepmother of two of Lily’s siblings, said.

18-year-old Carson Peters-Berger appeared in person for the first time when he pleaded guilty to the charge of first-degree intentional homicide in the death of Lily Peters. Chippewa County Judge Steven Gibbs accepted the plea and convicted Peters-Berger of the crime. The other two charges of sexual assault were dismissed but read in. Judge Gibbs then sentenced Peters-Berger to life in prison with the possibility of extended supervision after 25 years.

“I believe in giving people a second chance after you paid your debt to society,” Judge Gibbs said. “While you were a minor when you committed it, it is still a very serious offense, and it shook this community.”

While going through the proceedings, Judge Gibbs asked Peters-Berger if he understood that by pleading guilty to first-degree intentional homicide, he would be admitting to killing Lily Peters and planning to do so. Peters-Berger said he did understand.

“I don’t think you get closure in the criminal justice system. It’s not set up for that sort of thing,” Chippewa County District Attorney Wade Newell said. “It’s one point in time that is now over with, but it doesn’t give you closure regarding what occurred because nothing that’s done here will erase what happened to the poor young girl.”

Family members of Lily Peters spoke in the hearing. They discussed the impact the loss had on their families in the community and shared how much they missed her.

“She was my light,” Kiara Stevens, a friend of Lily Peters, said. “There were times where I just didn’t want to do it anymore, but Lily was that kind of person that made you want to keep going.”

Those connected to the family also shared concerns about the possibility of Peters-Berger being eligible for release and the worries that another crime may be committed.

Peters-Berger did not wish to speak in the hearing

Lily Peters disappeared the evening of April 24, 2022, after leaving her aunt’s home in Chippewa Falls. Her family reported her missing that night. The following morning, volunteers searching the area found the 10-year-old’s body in a wooded area near a walking trail.

Peters-Berger previously pleaded not guilty in December 2024 to adult charges of first-degree intentional homicide, first-degree sexual assault causing great bodily harm and first-degree child sexual assault. A jury trial was initially scheduled for this November, but because of that hearing, that will no longer take place.

Newell was asked why the case was no longer going to trial. He said trials always present some risk as you don’t know how a jury will respond. He also said trials can be very traumatic for the family. Those close to Lily said they are relieved this chapter is over and are ready to continue healing

“We just look forward to moving forward in healing and sharing that spirit of kindness with everyone in Lily’s memory,” Whitcome said.

“Lily was an amazing person and what I hung onto the most was the happy memories instead of that last bad one I had of her,” Stevens said. “I just want to say it does get better. We do heal.”