TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) - Nearly two months ago, Andrew Wiley’s arrest after his daughter’s remains were found in South Georgia sent shockwaves through the Tallahassee community.

Now, questions in the case linger nearly 24 hours after Wiley’s unexpected death while in custody at the Leon County Detention Facility Thursday evening.

The 36-year-old died of a pulmonary embolism, according to a preliminary autopsy report provided by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office.

Wiley was facing second-degree murder charges in the death of his daughter, Lori Paige.

More on Lori Paige:

Police allege Wiley killed the Griffin Middle School student on June 1, 2023, and dumped her body in a wooded plantation area in Thomas County, Georgia, the next day.

Since the discovery of the young girl’s remains in April, the community has mourned her loss, including a former educator of the middle schooler, Margaret Summers.

Summers is a paraprofessional and was a fierce advocate for Paige after she was reported missing.

She said she met with Wiley on multiple occasions. While police say Paige was already dead, she didn’t know that at the time, and encouraged Wiley to speak out. Looking back, she believes his behavior was suspicious.

Summers said justice has been done, but she also says Wiley’s death leaves many unanswered questions.

“It’s a dark ending to a dark, twisted tale that’s had multiple shocking revelations. This is just the last one,” she said.

Andrew Wiley’s brother, Antwan Wiley, said he maintained his innocence until death and planned to fight his murder charge.

He also claimed that his brother had no chronic medical conditions.

Antwan Wiley said his family had not yet been given a copy of the preliminary autopsy report.

Antwan Wiley also said Andrew Wiley planned to present a defense that there were other sightings of Paige after police said she died.

Summers, though, isn’t buying it. She said she met with Andrew Wiley while searches were ongoing.

“And [Andrew Wiley] met us at one of the searches and I was like, we’re still looking. And I thought I was comforting him,” Summers said. “He was probably thinking, lady, please stop. But I never, I didn’t think it was him.”

She also believes cell phone evidence is conclusive.

“I’ve tried to think of how else his pin could be in the exact place of her bones, and I have not been able to come up with one,” Summers said.

Andrew Wiley will never be convicted, given his death. His brother said the family is waiting to hear more details and has retained an attorney.

To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky and X (Twitter).

Have a news tip or see an error that needs attention? Write to us here. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here to get started.

Copyright 2025 WCTV. All rights reserved.