MARATHON COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) — The remains of Cassandra Ayon, who disappeared more than four years ago, have been found in central Wisconsin.
Ayon's body was found on private property in the Town of Brighton, about 130 miles west of Green Bay, on November 30, according to the Wisconsin Department of Justice. Authorities told local outlet WSAW that a citizen found Ayon's remains but did not share any additional details.
"We hope the discovery of her remains lends a sense of finality to her family and everyone who mourns her," Clark County District Attorney Melissa Inlow said.
Ayon, 27, was first reported missing in mid-October 2020. At the time, authorities said Ayon was last seen leaving a friend's house in the early morning hours of October 3. After she failed to show up for work two days later, authorities determined Ayon had never made it home.
"This case has been on our minds for years. Our thoughts are with Cassandra’s family and friends," stated Clark County Sheriff Scott Haines.
In September 2022, Jesus Contreras-Perez of Mosinee was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of release for Ayon’s murder. According to the WisDOJ, he was convicted of first-degree intentional homicide, hiding a corpse, and stalking causing bodily harm.
Court documents alleged Contreras-Perez had been stalking and abusing Ayon for months, WSAW reports. Investigators found surveillance video from Ayon's place of employment showing Contreras-Perez "hanging around" in the parking lot the night before the woman was last seen. Ayon had also reportedly told others that Contreras-Perez had caused bruising on her face.
In the days before Ayon's disappearance, investigators said they found Contreras-Perez had searched Google for information on "how to make a homemade silencer" and other related topics.
Contreras-Perez, who shares a child with Ayon, has appealed his conviction, according to WSAW.
Attorney General Josh Kaul expressed sympathy for Ayon’s loved ones, thanking those who worked tirelessly on the case.
The press release notes that a collaborative effort among the Wisconsin Department of Justice, local sheriff’s offices, the Clark County District Attorney’s Office, and other agencies led to the recovery of Ayon’s remains.
