Lileana “Lily” Christopherson, a 15-year-old from Bonney Lake who went missing, was confirmed to have been found safe, as confirmed by police. Due to evidence that became unearthed after Christopherson originally went missing, police believed that she risked being sex-trafficked by her captors.
What happened?
According to Q13 Fox, Christopherson was first reported missing early last month on May 9, 2018. However, police confirmed that she was eventually found safe and restored to her family in early June.
According to their official Twitter account, the Bonney Lake police department confirmed that Christopherson was found safe and was reunited with her family:
“Lily has been found safe by the PPD in Puyallup! She’s being reunited with her family. Please respect their privacy at this time. Thank you!”
At one point in the case, the FBI became involved in the search. According to King 5, the FBI issued with photos of the 15-year-old and were fielding several tips about Christopherson’s whereabouts as late as this past Saturday. In addition, a reward for information leading to Christopherson was increased to $10,000.
Three people have been arrested concerning this case
Three people were arrested in connection to Christopherson’s disappearance. According to Q13 Fox, two were identified as Christopher Russell Fitzpatrick, 39, and Maria Ann Counts, 29, who were arrested earlier and charged with kidnapping, raping, providing illegal drugs and sex-trafficking the teen.
A third person was arrested earlier this week, late on Wednesday night, in Tacoma on suspicion of third-degree child rape. At this time, however, the third person, believed to be male, has not been identified to the public as he has not yet been formally charged.
At this time, it is believed that the three arrests were made after police confirmed that Christopherson was reunited with her family.
As this story is developing, more information will be released as made available.