Authorities in Wisconsin have charged a mother and her boyfriend in connection with the death of 3-year-old Elijah Vue, whose remains were discovered months after his disappearance sparked a massive search effort.
Katrina Baur, Elijah’s mother, faces charges of chronic neglect of a child resulting in death, child neglect, and obstructing an officer. Her boyfriend, 39-year-old Jesse Vang, is charged with repeated acts of physical abuse of a child resulting in death, hiding a corpse, and obstructing an officer.
Baur and Vang were initially arrested in February on multiple child neglect and obstruction charges shortly after Elijah went missing. The new charges related to the child’s death come in light of the discovery of Elijah’s remains in September.
“This is an incredibly tragic situation that has shaken our community,” said Manitowoc County District Attorney Jacalyn at a press conference on Thursday. “Our priority has always been to ensure a fair and just process, and today’s announcement reflects our commitment to upholding the law and seeking justice for Elijah.”
Elijah was reported missing by Vang on February 20, triggering a sweeping search in the city of Two Rivers. Authorities encouraged the public to provide tips, and over the months, they recovered several pieces of evidence, including a plaid blanket that contained Elijah’s DNA.
On September 7, Elijah’s remains were found in a wooded area on private property about three miles from Vang’s residence, where the toddler was reportedly last seen.
Baur and Vang are currently in custody at the Manitowoc County Jail and are expected to appear for a bail hearing on the new charges Friday afternoon at the Manitowoc County Courthouse.
Two Rivers Police Capt. Andrew Raatz expressed gratitude to the agencies and volunteers who assisted in the investigation into Elijah’s disappearance and death during Thursday’s news conference. “Elijah has been our top priority since he was reported missing on February 20 of this year,” Raatz stated. “Since the discovery of Elijah’s remains last month, law enforcement and the district attorney’s office have worked diligently to bring those responsible for his death to justice.”
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