Remains of Cassandra Ayon, last seen in 2020, found

The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) in partnership with the Clark and Marathon County sheriff’s offices, and the Clark County District Attorney’s Office, announced Tuesday that the remains of Cassandra Ayon, last seen in Unity on Oct. 3, 2020, were found on private property near County Highway P and Abe Lincoln Road in the Town of Brighton, Marathon County, on Nov. 30. The intersection of County Highway P and Abe Lincoln Road is about 6 miles east of Unity.

“My heart goes out to Cassandra’s family and friends,” said Attorney General Josh Kaul. “Thank you to everyone who has worked to get justice and help provide answers in this appalling case.”

“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,” said Clark County District Attorney Melissa Inlow. “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.”

“This case has been on our minds for years,” said Clark County Sheriff Scott Haines. “Our hearts and thoughts go out to the family and friends of Cassandra Ayon.”

Jesus Contreras-Perez of Mosinee was sentenced to life in prison without eligibility for release on Sept. 12, 2022, in relation to the disappearance of Ayon. A jury found Contreras-Perez guilty of first-degree intentional homicide, hiding a corpse, and stalking causing bodily harm after a fiveday trial in June 2022.

Contreras Perez is appealing his conviction, and the court has until Feb. 21, 2025, to make a decision.

Ayon was 27 years old at the time of her disappearance. She was a graduate of Loyal High School.

The Wisconsin DOJ worked in partnership with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, the Clark County District Attorney’s Office, Marathon County Medical Examiner’s Office, DNR, the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory, and Wisconsin State Patrol on recovery of the remains.

Cassandra Ayon