Death Of Missing Middle School Student A Homicide: Beaverton Police

BEAVERTON, OR — Milana Li, 13, was found dead Tuesday afternoon, a little over 24 hours after she was reported missing, according to Beaverton police. Her death was being investigated as a homicide.

They changed the status to homicide from "suspicious" after an autopsy by the state medical examiner.

Police found Li's body in a small creek in Westside Linear Park just before 3 p.m., police said.

Detectives are following up on dozens of tips they've received since Li disappeared, police said.

Zan Hess, the principal of Conestoga Middle School, where Li was a student, sent a note to familes and staff Monday night.

"There are no words to express the grief of losing a child," he said. "Please know that my staff and I are here for all of you and your students. Our hearts break for Milana's loved ones, including her family and friends. We ask that you keep them in your thoughts."

Hess said that the school has extra counselors on hand to help students and staff.

Li's mother reported her missing around 1 p.m. Monday and told police that she had not seen her daughter since Milana left their apartment near the intersection of Southwest Murray Boulevard and Southwest Scholls Ferry Road around 4 p.m. Sunday afternoon.

Anyone with information about Li was asked to call Detective Cindy Herring at 503-526-2280.