Anastasia Nicolazzi

Which brings us to the early morning of May 9th, 2022. Milana's mom had just returned home from working a night shift at the nearby Nike headquarters, which employed many people in the area. And when she entered the house, she expected to see both her daughters asleep.

Which brings us to the early morning of May 9th, 2022. Milana's mom had just returned home from working a night shift at the nearby Nike headquarters, which employed many people in the area. And when she entered the house, she expected to see both her daughters asleep.

And despite her daughter being a trusted, responsible young woman, she was also at 13 still a child. And so Milana's mom did exactly what most parents would do. She called 911.

And despite her daughter being a trusted, responsible young woman, she was also at 13 still a child. And so Milana's mom did exactly what most parents would do. She called 911.

And so following protocol, police notified her school's administration, who then shared the news with the students and their families, hoping someone had information as to where Milana might be.

And so following protocol, police notified her school's administration, who then shared the news with the students and their families, hoping someone had information as to where Milana might be.

And there, they stumbled on some articles of clothing that her friend recognized as belonging to Milana. They immediately retreated and contacted police.

And there, they stumbled on some articles of clothing that her friend recognized as belonging to Milana. They immediately retreated and contacted police.

Westside Linear Park was a popular recreation spot for walking and hiking. But it was also big, with trails winding through some pretty secluded wooded areas. As officers moved deeper into the woods, they kept their eyes peeled for signs of the missing teen.

Westside Linear Park was a popular recreation spot for walking and hiking. But it was also big, with trails winding through some pretty secluded wooded areas. As officers moved deeper into the woods, they kept their eyes peeled for signs of the missing teen.

investigators worked their way to the water. And as they lifted the blanket, their worst fears were confirmed. Half submerged in the water was the bruised and battered, unclothed body of 13-year-old Milana Lee. Given her young age, it was as horrific a crime scene that responding officers had ever encountered.

investigators worked their way to the water. And as they lifted the blanket, their worst fears were confirmed. Half submerged in the water was the bruised and battered, unclothed body of 13-year-old Milana Lee. Given her young age, it was as horrific a crime scene that responding officers had ever encountered.

We do want to warn you that the following content contains description of sexual assault and may be triggering for some.

We do want to warn you that the following content contains description of sexual assault and may be triggering for some.

Upon closer look, officers also noticed bruising around her neck, a sign that Milana may have been strangled. Her state of undress suggested the motive.

Upon closer look, officers also noticed bruising around her neck, a sign that Milana may have been strangled. Her state of undress suggested the motive.

Figuring out who that person was started with the collection of evidence at the scene. A team of forensic investigators combed the area, searching for any clue, any fragment of evidence that might help piece together Milana's final moments.

Figuring out who that person was started with the collection of evidence at the scene. A team of forensic investigators combed the area, searching for any clue, any fragment of evidence that might help piece together Milana's final moments.

Defensive wounds showed clear signs that Milana had tried to fight off her attacker, and her broken fingernails were also carefully examined for possible DNA belonging to her killer.

Defensive wounds showed clear signs that Milana had tried to fight off her attacker, and her broken fingernails were also carefully examined for possible DNA belonging to her killer.