The Wisconsin Department of Justice, in collaboration with the Clark and Marathon County Sheriff's Offices and the Clark County District Attorney's Office, has announced the discovery of Cassandra Ayon's remains. Ayon was last seen on October 3, 2020, in Unity, Wisconsin. Her remains were found on private property near CTH P and Abe Lincoln Road in Brighton, Marathon County, on November 30, 2024.
Attorney General Josh Kaul expressed his condolences: "My heart goes out to Cassandra’s family and friends. Thank you to everyone who has worked to get justice and help provide answers in this appalling case."
Clark County District Attorney Melissa Inlow commented on the discovery: "Although we were pleased with the outcome of the trial and felt that justice had been done on behalf of Cassandra Ayon, we never stopped looking for her. We hope that the discovery of her remains lends a sense of closure and finality to her family and everyone who misses and mourns her."
Clark County Sheriff Scott Haines also shared his thoughts: "This case has been on our minds for years. Our hearts and thoughts go out to the family and friends of Cassandra Ayon."
Jesus Contreras-Perez from Mosinee, Wisconsin was sentenced to life imprisonment without eligibility for release on September 12, 2022. He was convicted of first-degree intentional homicide, hiding a corpse, and stalking causing bodily harm after a five-day trial in June 2022 related to Ayon's disappearance.
The recovery operation involved several agencies including the Wisconsin DOJ, Clark County Sheriff's Office, Marathon County Sheriff's Office, Clark County District Attorney’s Office, Marathon County Medical Examiner’s Office, DNR (Department of Natural Resources), Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory, and Wisconsin State Patrol.