Remains of Missing 3-Year-Old Wisconsin Boy Discovered, Leaving Community Heartbroken.

From the moment Elijah Vue disappeared, there was an unsettling feeling surrounding his absence. For months, an apartment held unanswered questions, and extensive searches yielded no sign of the young boy who vanished without a trace during the winter months. Now, the confirmation that human remains found in a wooded area belong to Elijah has shifted the community’s focus towards grief and the need for answers.

Earlier this month, the discovery of human remains in a woodland region became the central topic of conversation, tinged with sorrow and a sense of unease. The Two Rivers Police Department has now confirmed that these remains are indeed those of three-year-old Elijah Vue, who had been missing since February. In connection with his disappearance, both Elijah’s mother and stepfather are currently facing accusations.

Authorities officially announced on Friday that the human remains discovered the previous week belonged to Elijah Vue, the toddler who went missing in Wisconsin in February. While the initial discovery of bones and a head at a private residence on September 7th prompted investigation, the identity has now been verified by the Two Rivers Police Department.

Police Chief Benjamin Meinnert expressed the collective heartbreak, stating, “This is not the outcome we were hoping for.” He added, “Our community and families are destroyed.” Chief Meinnert did not take questions from reporters at the time of the announcement.

What is currently known:

The discovery of the remains was made by a deer hunter preparing his land for the hunting season. While clearing the area, he found skeletal remains in a heavily wooded region and promptly notified the authorities.

The Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office initially indicated that identifying the remains would take time. The location where the remains were found is only a few kilometers away from where Elijah was last seen on February 20th. Despite multiple searches in this heavily forested area over the past seven months, authorities had not previously located anything.

During their investigation, law enforcement had gathered various pieces of evidence, including vehicles and red-and-white plaid blankets. While further exploration was anticipated in the coming weeks, the discovery of Elijah’s remains has now shifted the central focus of the case.

Chief Meinnert appealed to the public to respect the privacy of the family as they navigate this period of immense grief.

He shared, “I never got to meet Elijah, but I saw how this amazing community came together to support him.” He further stated his deep appreciation for the public and local businesses that offered assistance throughout this difficult time.

Information surrounding Elijah’s disappearance:

It was initially reported that Elijah had last been seen by Jesse Vang, his mother’s partner, on February 20th. According to Vang, 39, he last saw Elijah at approximately 8:00 a.m. He stated that he had instructed the young boy to stand by the bed and pray as a form of discipline. When Vang awoke nearly three hours later, Elijah was no longer there.

Vang contacted 911 to report Elijah missing from their apartment at around 11:00 a.m.

At the time of Elijah’s disappearance, his mother, Katrina Baur, was reportedly over a hundred miles away in Wisconsin.

In February, both Baur and Vang were taken into custody and face charges of child neglect in connection with Elijah’s disappearance. Preliminary hearings for Baur and Vang are currently scheduled for October 22nd and September 27th, respectively. Their attorneys have not yet made any public statements regarding the case.

A “Death Investigation” is now underway following the discovery of Elijah’s remains.

Chief Meinnert explained the shift in the investigation, stating, “We recognize that the community is seeking answers, but in order to preserve the integrity of the investigation, we must withhold some information.” He affirmed the commitment to uncovering the truth, acknowledging that the process may take time.

Officials are urging anyone who may possess relevant information to contact the Two Rivers Police Department.

As the investigation progresses, representatives from the Manitowoc County District Attorney’s Office and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation will continue to provide updates to the public as appropriate.

In conclusion:

The confirmation that the discovered remains belong to Elijah Vue is a tragic development in a case that has deeply affected his family and the wider community. As authorities continue their investigation, the primary focus now is on the pursuit of justice and the full disclosure of the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. Law enforcement is committed to providing answers while urging the public to respect the family’s privacy during this incredibly difficult time.

Officials have pledged to keep the community informed of any significant new developments through ongoing legal processes and a commitment to transparency. They encourage anyone with information to come forward to ensure that Elijah’s story is fully understood and that justice is served.