The search for 3-year-old Elijah Vue out of Two Rivers, Wisconsin continues.
Elijah was reported missing on February 20th after being sent by his mother, Katrina Baur, to her boyfriend’s house for “disciplinary reasons”. Here’s what we know:
Once the initial news broke of Elijah’s disappearance, the owner of Ross Auto Service in Two Rivers notified authorities that Elijah was in his shop with Jesse on February 16th. Placing this sighting four days before he was reported missing. The owner stated that there was nothing unusual about the visit and that when he learned about the child going missing he immediately shared everything he had with police.
Jesse Vang, the last person seen with Elijah and Katrina’s boyfriend, called 911 around 11:00 am on February 20 to report that Elijah went missing while he was babysitting him.
He reportedly said he had been trying to help Elijah’s mom correct the child’s “bad behaviors.”
Jesse stated that he got his own son ready for school and saw Elijah was still sleeping. After the two of them had breakfast later, Jesse said he went back to sleep, and when he woke up Elijah was missing.
When authorities spoke with Katrina, she said her son had been in the care of Vang for about a week, adding that he is the “enforcer of rules” in the relationship.
Some of the disciplinary measures included praying, saying he was sorry, and memorizing rules of conduct.
Katrina reportedly told cops she wanted her boyfriend to teach Elijah how to “be a man.”
Vang told investigators that the time with Elijah was meant to be a form of “boot camp.” This included standing timeouts that would last from 1 to 3 hours.
“He gets pretty tired from… I guess like from standing, too.”
- Jesse Vang told police
Vang changed Elijah’s diapers at least once a day. If he overfilled his diaper he would be punished with “cold water”.
Vang was referring to the punishment of putting three-year-old Elijah in cold showers.
He also told Elijah “Going home is a privilege for him.” He wanted him to understand this statement.
Vang was charged with one felony count of party-to-a-crime child neglect and has a $20,000 cash bond.
At the time of his arrest, Vang also was under federal supervision on unrelated charges.
His lengthy rap sheet includes previous charges for aggravated battery, disorderly conduct, and child abuse.
Katrina Baur was charged with one felony count of party-to-a-crime of child neglect and two misdemeanor counts of resisting or obstructing an officer. Baur requested her $15,000 cash bond be modified to allow her to be released on her own recognizance. She argued that she would be unable to pay the bond. A hearing on the matter hasn’t been scheduled.
“(Baur) intentionally sent that child for disciplinary reasons for more than a week to the residence. She was aware of the tactics used and the lack of care provided. This was an intentional thing by her. And, on at least two occasions, during the interviews, she has provided false information on her whereabouts during the past week.”
— Manitowoc County DA Jacalyn LaBre
In a press release from Two Rivers police Sunday, law enforcement canvassed rural areas throughout the weekend, and they continue to follow up on all tips and leads that they receive.
Crews from across Wisconsin, including the National Guard and FBI, aided in a Manitowoc County ground search.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources helped dive teams investigate Lake Michigan and West Twin River shorelines.
The family of missing 3-year-old Elijah Vue is taking today and Tuesday off to rest and recharge before resuming their community search parties.
The FBI has offered a $15,000 reward for information leading to locating Elijah or convicting those responsible for his disappearance, and Manitowoc County Crime Stoppers has offered a $1,000 reward.
Police describe Elijah as being of Hmong and white ethnicity with dark brown hair and brown eyes. He is approximately 3 feet tall, approximately 45 pounds, and has a birthmark on his left knee. He was last seen wearing gray pants, a dark-colored, long-sleeve shirt, and a pair of red-and-green dinosaur slip-on shoes. He may also be carrying a red-and-white plaid blanket.
An Amber Alert remains in effect. Anyone with information is urged to call 1-844-267-6648.