Wisconsin Police Continues Search for Missing 3-Year-Old Boy; Mother and Man Charged with Child Neglect

missing boy child neglect Police

By Jackelyn Cornejo , Parent Herald Feb 26, 04:05 am

An extensive search is in progress for a missing 3-year-old Wisconsin boy, Elijah Vue, who, according to a district attorney, was sent to stay with a man "for disciplinary reasons."

Mother of 3-Year-Old Missing Wisconsin Boy Charged

Jacalyn LaBre, the district attorney for Manitowoc County, made this claim in court, implicating Elijah's mother, Katrina Baur, 31, and the man, Jesse Vang, 39, in potential child neglect charges.

While formal charges have not been filed and case documents are sealed, details from the police and LaBre's statements shed light on the situation.

Elijah, described as a 3-foot, 50-pound boy with sandy blonde hair and Hmong heritage, was reported missing on Tuesday, leading to a statewide Amber Alert.

During a hearing, LaBre alleged that Baur intentionally sent Elijah to Vang's residence for disciplinary reasons, knowing the tactics used and the lack of care provided.

The nature of the relationship between Baur and Vang remains unclear. The prosecutor also claimed that the mother was not truthful with the police investigating Elijah's disappearance. Baur and Vang are currently in custody, with a court appearance scheduled for Monday.

The investigation for Elijah's disappearance involves local, state, and federal reserves, with law enforcement urging dwellers to report any sightings or data.

Two Rivers, where the circumstances occurred, is a city on Lake Michigan, approximately 90 miles north of Milwaukee.

Authorities Still Searching for Missing 3-Year-Old Wisconsin Boy

Authorities are actively exploring rivers, waterways, local landfills, and properties in Manitowoc County to locate Elijah.

Baur reportedly left the child with Jesse Vang for disciplinary reasons, as indicated by prosecutors.

Although the charging documents remain sealed, portions were revealed in court on Friday, with the district attorney, Jacalyn Labre, stating that Baur intentionally sent the child to Vang's residence for over a week, being aware of inadequate care and tactics used.

Prosecutors also claim that Baur provided misleading statements to the police regarding her whereabouts since Elijah's disappearance.

Both Baur and Vang face child neglect charges, with the possibility of additional charges.

Elijah, described as having sandy-colored hair, brown eyes, standing 3 feet tall, and weighing 50 pounds, was last seen in gray sweatpants, a dark-colored long-sleeve shirt, red and green dinosaur shoes, with a birthmark on his left knee.

Family of the Missing 3-Year-Old Is Worried

Elijah's family expressed uncertainty about how Baur and Vang knew each other, mentioning that they haven't been in contact with Baur for three years.

Vang, previously imprisoned for six years for methamphetamine distribution, is believed by prosecutors to be responsible for the child's disappearance.

LaBre mentioned in court that Baur changed her story multiple times during police interviews about her whereabouts during the past week, potentially leading to contempt charges.

Elijah's family emphasized in a court statement their concerns about Baur receiving cash bail, considering her and Vang as prime suspects.

Although the court acknowledged the emotional impact of Elijah's disappearance, only child neglect charges were presented at that point, with the possibility of additional charges later.

The court set bail at $15,000 for Baur and $20,000 for Vang.

Search efforts extend to rivers, waterways, and local landfills in Manitowoc County, and the public is urged to report any information to Two Rivers police at 844-267-6648 or call 911.

Authorities caution against falling victim to financial scams related to the case, particularly regarding a "fake video" that does not depict Elijah's recovery by officers.