PHOTO: Manitowoc County Court
MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Katrina Baur’s attorney has a conflict, and has to withdraw from the child neglect case filed against the mother of missing 3-year-old Elijah Vue – but a new attorney has already been found to handle the case.
Vue, 3, 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.
In court Monday, attorney Ann Larson said she has discovered a conflict which prevents her from continuing to represent Baur. The specific details of the conflict were not discussed in court.
Manitowoc County District Attorney Jacalyn LaBre did not object to Larson leaving the case, given the reason. Judge Robert Dewane then granted Larson’s departure.
Larson said attorney Amber Gratz has agreed to take over the case.
The next hearing scheduled in the case is on Wednesday, to address Baur’s request to reduce the $15,000 cash bond. Judge Dewane kept that on the calendar, for now, but acknowledged if Gratz isn’t prepared to hear it then, it could be postponed.
Baur was not present for Monday’s hearings. Both Larson and LeBre appeared remotely.
A plea deal for Baur has been discussed in court, but the hearing to finalize it has been postponed twice. The hearing is currently not on the court’s calendar.
Meanwhile 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.
Comments