Police Confirm Remains Found in Wisconsin Are Missing 3-Year-Old Elijah Vue

Authorities in Wisconsin have confirmed that a set of human bones discovered on a property in Twin Rivers belong to Elijah Vue, a three-year-old boy who went missing in February.

Two Rivers Police Chief Benjamin Meinnert expressed deep sorrow during a press briefing, stating, “This is not the outcome we had hoped for. The family is devastated. Our community is devastated.”

Meinnert added, “I never met Elijah, but I watched that 3-year-old boy bring out the best of an amazing community. I can’t thank the public and our businesses enough for all their assistance and support through this tragedy.”

The remains of Elijah were uncovered on September 7 by a deer hunter who was clearing land on his private property. The local sheriff’s office, along with the Department of Justice, assisted in the recovery of the remains, which were subsequently sent to the Wisconsin Crime Lab for DNA testing.

The remains were located approximately three miles northeast of where Elijah was last seen.

Elijah was last reported to be at the residence of his mother’s boyfriend, Jesse Vang, who is 39 years old. It is alleged that Katrina Baur, the boy’s mother, 31 years old, left Elijah with Vang to learn how to “be a man.”

Vang reported Elijah missing on February 20, claiming the child disappeared while he was taking a nap.

Baur was arrested the day after the report, on February 21, and charged with being involved in child neglect, after she allegedly modified her account of what happened during questioning by investigators. Vang was also arrested that same day on similar neglect charges.

In March, the local district attorney updated the charges to include chronic child neglect. Both Baur and Vang have pleaded not guilty to these charges.

Officials reported that Elijah faced significant mistreatment while in their care. Allegations suggest that the three-year-old was subjected to harsh disciplinary measures, including being forced to take cold showers and standing for extended periods during time-outs. In addition, prosecutors revealed that an image of Elijah was found, showing him blindfolded with bruises on his face while he lay in bed.

Chief Meinnert stated that the investigation into Elijah’s death would continue. During the search for the missing child, police had to address and reprimand online sleuths and conspiracy theorists on several occasions, condemning them for spreading false information regarding the case.