PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Police are investigating the death of a young girl in Beaverton after her body was found near Westside Linear Park Tuesday night.
A pair of investigators returned to the scene Wednesday morning where they found 13-year-old Milana Li and say her death is suspicious.
A Beaverton Police spokesperson says what can be released about the case is limited as the investigation ensues.
The spot where Milana’s body was found is about half a mile down the trail from her apartment, where she was last seen by her mother. Beaverton Police say that was around 4 p.m. on Sunday. Milana’s mother reported her missing around 1 p.m. Monday, and Beaverton police classified the case as a runaway. On Tuesday evening, her body was discovered.
Li’s mother reported her missing Monday afternoon and Beaverton police said she was a runaway.
Romana Brnaltaufoou went to sixth grade with Milana at Conestoga Middle School. She says she became friends with Milana after being dropped off at the same bus stop.
“One day she just got off on my stop and we just started hanging out more often,” Romana said. “She was really nice, she was a pretty cool person. She’s someone you can talk to about all the things you’re going through. I don’t know she wasn’t the judgmental kind of person, she was really kind.”
Mary Stanley, who lives near the park, told KOIN 6 News “my heart goes out to the parents, it just hurts.”
Stanley and her granddaughter saw the missing poster for Li Tuesday night.
“We just prayed for the little girl last night. My granddaughter reminded me, saying ‘grandma we have to pray for this little girl’ and I said ‘yeah, we do’ and so we did,” Stanley said.
Conestoga Middle School announced Milana’s death during first period Wednesday and had counselors available for students struggling with the news.
A GoFundMe has been organized for the Li family, find it here.
A memorial is growing near the spot where she was found and includes an angel figurine Romana left for her friend.
“It was the only thing I had and since she just passed away and she was a really good friend,” Romana said. “I just thought it would be nice and kind to bring this angel just to show some kindness.”