2024-09-14 13:45:02
TWO RIVERS, Wis. (WBAY) – Two Rivers Police confirmed Friday that the human remains recently found on private property are missing child Elijah Vue.
Elijah was reported missing on Feb. 20 by his mother’s boyfriend, Jesse Vang, who was caring for the boy. He told police he woke up from a nap and the boy was gone from his apartment on Mishicot Rd. Elijah was 3 at the time; his 4th birthday was last month.
Two Rivers police confirmed Elijah’s blanket was found on Goodwin Rd., east of County Rd. B. That’s a few miles from where the remains were found.
The remains were found on private property that was searched several times over the past seven months. They were found by a hunter preparing his land for the upcoming hunting season.
On Friday, following the announcement about the remains, the Amber Alert for Elijah was formally canceled.
Two Rivers police chief Ben Meinnert got emotional during the press conference as he talked about Elijah’s impact on the Two Rivers community.
“This is not the outcome we had hoped for, the family is devastated, we’re devastated, our community is devastated,” said Meinnert. “I never met Elijah but I watched that 3-year-old bring out the best in this community. I can’t thank the public and our businesses enough.”
Members of the Two Rivers community echoed his sentiment, finding solace in the fact that the family has closure now.
“All the people worked so hard looking for him, they never gave up, so I am glad this hunter came across him, as sad as what it was,” said Sarah Coenen. “I am sorry he was the one that found him, but because of him, we have closure.”
“I was really sad because I was hoping for a better outcome, but we know where he is and the truth is known now,” said Teresa Romero.
Vang and the boy’s mother, Katrina Baur, who’s from Wisconsin Dells, remain in custody on child neglect charges. No one has been charged in the boy’s disappearance.
The Two Rivers Police Department would like to remind the public that if anyone has any information that could help the next phase of the investigation to contact them at (920) 686-7200.
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