Teen ‘Felt Like Dexter’ Lured Girl, 13, into Woods Before Raping, Killing Her to Fulfill ‘Fantasy’
An Oregon teenager, who was obsessed with the serial killer from the TV show Dexter, tricked a 13-year-old girl into following him into the woods, where he raped and killed her in 2022. A jury has now found him guilty of the crime.
The victim, Milana Li, was found dead in a stream in Washington County, Oregon, on May 10, 2022. The Beaverton Police Department said her body was discovered during a search after she was reported missing.
Daniel R. Gore, now 19 years old, was convicted last week of raping, sexually assaulting, and murdering Milana, according to the Washington County District Attorney’s Office. At the time of the crime, Gore was only 16 years old. During the trial, which lasted two weeks, the jury learned how he used Milana’s trust to lure her into the woods, as shared by the DA’s statement on Friday, November 22.
Prosecutors explained that Gore invited Milana to the woods on May 8, 2022. He killed her near a tent where he was living. On May 9, her family reported her missing from her home in Beaverton. This led to a large search effort by the community and police. The search ended tragically when her body was found the next day.
Investigators used phone data and security footage to confirm that Milana was last seen alive with Gore on May 8. As they investigated further, they uncovered disturbing details about Gore’s fascination with violence. In his tent, detectives found a journal entry that said, “I feel like Dexter,” referring to the fictional serial killer in the TV series. This showed that Gore had been inspired by the violent character and acted on his dark fantasies.
Detectives also found disturbing photos of violent sexual acts on Gore’s phone, which added more evidence to the case. Prosecutors argued that Gore planned the attack and took advantage of Milana’s trust to carry out his violent desires.
Milana was described as a kind and loving person who brought joy to everyone around her. A GoFundMe page set up after her death called her “a light” who truly listened to people and cared deeply for others. Her parents, Assel and Andrey, trusted and depended on her, and her loss has deeply affected her family and friends.
Gore was tried as an adult because of the seriousness of his crime. He now faces a life sentence with the possibility of parole after 30 years. His sentencing is scheduled for December 2, 2024.
This case has left a community heartbroken and highlights the tragic consequences of someone acting on their violent obsessions. Milana’s family and the community continue to mourn her loss, remembering her as a bright and caring person whose life was taken far too soon.
