Katrina Baur (Photo courtesy Manitowoc County Sheriff's Office)
MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A judge denied Katrina Baur’s request to lower her bond on Wednesday.
Baur is the mother of Elijah Vue, a 3-year-old boy who was reported missing Feb. 20 by his caregiver, Jesse Vang. Prosecutors say Baur sent her son to live with Vang — her boyfriend — at his Two Rivers apartment for “disciplinary reasons.”
Despite extensive searches, the boy has not been found. Baur and Vang face child neglect charges related to the condition of the home and treatment of the boy.
Baur appeared in court Wednesday with her new attorney, Amber Gratz. The previous attorney, Ann Larson, left the case due to a conflict.
Baur has been unable to post the $15,000 cash bond. Gratz asked for it to be reduced to $5,000. District Attorney Jacalyn LaBre opposed the request.
Jimmy Vue, the boy’s father, also opposed the bond reduction, saying he didn’t think Baur would appear in court.
“Your honor, I’d like to ask you to deny bail due to the fact my son is still missing, and we need answers. And I think Katrina Baur has the answer that we all are looking for,” Vue said.
Judge Robert Dewane denied the request.
“I don’t think $5,000 is a sufficient amount, given the nature of what’s been alleged here and what the court knows from the complaint, to keep someone appearing for court when they are supposed to,” Judge Dewane said. “She needs to be where I need to be sure she’s able to be at court.”
While there had been two hearings set for a plea deal to be finalized, Gratz is new to the case. She asked for time to review the case, so an Oct. 22 status conference was set.
Vang returns to court Sept. 27 for a status conference; no trial date has been set.
No one has been charged in connection with the boy’s disappearance.
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