Milana Li (left); and Daniel Ryan Gore.Photo:Beaverton Police Department/Facebook
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Beaverton Police Department/Facebook
Milana Li, 13,was found dead on May 10, 2022, in a stream in Washington County, Ore., theBeaverton Police Departmentsaid at the time.
Daniel R. Gore, 19, is now convicted of raping, sexually assaulting and killing her, theWashington County District Attorney’s Officeannounced in a statement last week.
During the two-week-long trial, a jury heard that Gore, who was 16-years-old at the time of the killing, took advantage of Milana’s trust, according to the DA’s office’s Friday, Nov. 22, statement.
Gore reportedly lured the child into the woods on May 8, 2022, prosecutors said. He murdered her near a tent where he was living at the time.
On May 9, Milana was reported missing from her Beaverton home, per police. A massive search effort ensued, perThe Oregonian, and led investigators to the sixth grader’s body the following day.
Investigators determined, through cell phone data and security footage, that Milana was last seen alive with Gore on May 8, according to the DA’s office.
As they investigated the killer further, they learned of his obsession with violence, perThe Oregonian.
“It was his choice to take a vulnerable girl who trusted him and followed him into the woods … and act out his fantasy," Senior Deputy District Attorney John Gerhard told the jury, per theThe Oregonian.
Detectives also found photos of violent sexual acts on Gore’s phone.
Milani Li.Beaverton Police Department
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In aGoFundMethat was set up following her killing, Milana was remembered as “a light, a true friend who opened up her warm heart to everyone and truly listened. She was a wonderful daughter, her parents (Assel and Andrey) could trust and depend on her.”
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Gore, who was tried as an adult, faces a mandatory minimum of life in prison with the possibility of parole in 30 years,The Oregonianreported.
His sentencing has been scheduled for Dec. 2, per the outlet.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go torainn.org.
source: people.com