FBI Part of Probe Into Riley Fox's Death

(FOX CHICAGO) FBI agents tonight are set to step into a new phase of the investigation surrounding the death of Riley Fox, the three-year-old Wilmington girl whose kidnapper and killer has never been caught more than five years after she was first reported missing.

FOX Chicago News has learned that Will County authorities requested the assistance of Chicago's FBI office in pursuing leads in the case.

Federal agents were scheduled tonight to begin door-to-door canvassing of homes near the one in Wilmington where Riley Fox disappeared back in June of 2004.

At the time, her father Kevin said he discovered her missing after finding the front door of the family home open. Her body was found not far from the family home, along a stream that feeds the Kankakee River. Coroners said she'd been sexually assaulted and drowned.

Kevin Fox had been arrested and charged with her murder, but those charges were later dismissed when DNA tests failed to link him to the crime. The Fox family later won a federal civil suit against Will County authorities for wrongful prosecution.

With that award now under appeal, the Will County State's Attorney's office has asked the FBI for its assistance.

FOX Chicago reporter Lilia Chacon will report from Will County tonight on FOX Chicago News at 9 and on "The Ten."

We’ll have more on the FBI’s involvement in the Riley Fox case on Saturday. To find out what special resources they’ll be using, watch our Chicago’s Most Wanted segment during our 9pm news this Saturday.