Who is Jennifer Eyerly? Lily Peters' mother blasts trolls for 'judging' family amid tragedy
Warning: This article contains information about sexual assault that could be traumatic for some readers. Discretion is advised.
CHIPPEWA FALLS, WISCONSIN: Iliana ‘Lily’ Peters’ mother has lashed out at the trolls who have judged her family after the news of her daughter’s death broke out. The girl was reportedly killed and raped by her minor cousin,14, before her body was found on Monday, April 25, in a wooded area in Wisconsin town.
Her mother, Jennifer Eyerly, then reportedly slammed people behind the screens by saying: “What makes zero sense is how quickly you judge my family based on a timeline and assumptions u (sic) can only speculate on since its privy to the investigation that those details not be released. As Lily's mother, I can only say I am ashamed of you folks out there judging us from behind a screen!”
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Eyerly added: “I hope you never ever endure this kind of heartache! If you cannot offer kindness, don't offer anything. My daughter was kind! If you truly want to be part of bringing justice ... you can do right by my daughter and model something she lived by .... kindness!” Trolls were quick to question her parenting and people filled in information gaps with theories about what they would have done if Lily was their daughter.
Lily’s family members have become a hot topic among internet users ever since the tragedy unfolded. People have expressed their doubts and thoughts after it was found that the girl’s childhood was not a normal one as her parents were separated and Eyerly is a convicted felon. The 38-year-old is out on probation after being found guilty of several counts of "theft including for swiping four of her mother's credit cards and racking up a bill totaling $7,788.31. She also cheated her aunt and uncle out of $10,000 by inventing fake jobs for them – even conducting false interviews – in a bid to get hold of their banking details,” The Daily Mail reported.
Lily’s mother’s post came before the 14-year-old suspect Carson Peters-Berger was arrested in connection with her death. It has been alleged that the eight-grader is behind the crime. He is alleged to have punched the child in the stomach and hit her with a stick before choking her to death and then raping her. Lily suffered blunt force trauma and strangulation when she was attacked and sexually assaulted by her killer, according to a preliminary autopsy, The Independent reported.
Peters-Berger was arrested on Tuesday, April 26, and has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide, first-degree sexual assault and first-degree sexual assault of a child under age 13, resulting in "great bodily harm. He is being held on a $1 million bond at the Northwest Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Eau Claire. If found guilty of the charges, he could be awarded life sentence. The teenager after his arrest had reportedly told law enforcement that "his intention was to rape and kill the victim from the get-go" after he left his mother’s home with Lily. Peters-Berger’s mother is the sister of Lily’s father.
Meanwhile, on Friday, April 29, Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District honored Lily by wearing purple. In a Facebook post, the district wrote: “In support of Lily and her family, we invite students, staff, and our entire community to wear purple on Friday, April 29th. 💜💜💜” A lot of people shared their thoughts in the comment section of the post with one writing: “From Portland Oregon our prayers are with all of you. May Lily fly high with Gabby Petito by her side.” Another one said: “I’m so sorry for the family friends and communities loss. This is terribly heartbreaking. All are in my prayers. 💜🙏💜.” The third one added: “Life gone to soon 💔 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾❤ my condolences to her family and love ones so sad 😞.”