Elijah Vue, 3, was reported missing from Two Rivers Feb. 20, 2024. (Photo source: Two Rivers Police Dept.)
MANITOWOC COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – March 19 marks four weeks since 3-year old Elijah Vue was reported missing by his mother’s boyfriend, Jesse Vang. The boy’s mother, Katrina Baur sent her son to Vang for disciplinary reasons before he went missing.
Both Vang and Baur face child neglect charges, but both say they don’t know where Elijah is.
As authorities continue to investigate his disappearance, volunteer searches are ongoing as well. Two Rivers Police finally confirming they’ve identified a blanket found in Manitowoc County, as one that matched the description of one belonging to Elijah.
It was along Goodwin Road in the Town of Manitowoc where the red and black blanket police said Elijah Vue was known to use was found.
Neighbors say a woman walking her dog discovered the blanket, not far off the road, near a dirt path, the weekend after Vue was reported missing.
The woman reported the find to authorities and that set off an extensive search of the area by law enforcement. Neighbors saying not only were they interviewed by authorities, but local, state and federal agents meticulously performed a shoulder to shoulder grid search of the area too.
It’s the same area where law enforcement was seen on Tuesday morning, four weeks after the toddler was reported missing.
Investigators were in the area after someone reported to authorities birds were circling overhead. During a search, investigators discovered a deer carcass.
News the boy’s blanket was found along the country road led volunteer searchers to the area too.
“We’re searching those areas today and more. So, whatever we can do we’re out here doing it,” said volunteer Veronica Blackmon. She added, “We’re trying, they’re trying so we’re trying to do the best we can.”
“Mostly going in ditches and on the road and the ditches and further down,” added searcher Kim Reinl.
Reinl of Manitowoc snapped a picture during her search, saying, “I found a child’s glove, but not real sure if it’s his or not.”
She planed to submit it to tipline since she’s not sure if the glove is significant to the investigation or not.
According to Reinl, “I have this funny feeling in my heart that he’s alive. And I hope he does come home to his family.”
While Two Rivers Police are still not answering any questions about their investigation into the disappearance of Elijah Vue, they are reminding volunteer searchers not to go on private property. Meanwhile, the volunteer searchers are asking private property owners, if they don’t mind having the property searched to put a blue balloon outside so volunteers know they can come onto their property.
Manitowoc County searches for Elijah Vue are planned again for Wednesday. Volunteers are asked to meet at the Mikadow Theater for searches at 9:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Jesse Vang has filed a motion asking for his bond to be reduced. The one page handwritten letter is dated March 14th.
The letter reads “Dear Honorable Judge Robert P. Dewane — I would like a hearing to get my bail reduced. Thank you, sir. Sincerely, Jesse Vang.”
The letter was written before Vang had an attorney assigned to him.
Vang is due back in court Thursday.
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