TWO RIVERS, Wisconsin – Authorities in Wisconsin announced new charges Thursday against the mother of 3-year-old Elijah Vue in the boy’s death, along with more charges against the mother’s boyfriend.
Skeletal remains found by a hunter in October, it was confirmed to belong to the toddler, who had been missing since February.
Manitowoc County District Attorney Jacalyn LaBre said at a news conference that Vue’s mother, Katrina Baur, is charged with chronic neglect of a child and obstructing an officer. Her boyfriend, Jesse Vang, is charged with physical abuse of a child, repeated acts with intent to cause death, concealment of a corpse and obstructing an officer. Both were previously charged with child neglect.
“This is an incredibly tragic situation that has shocked our community. My thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Elijah’s family as they endure unimaginable pain,” LaBre said.
Vue disappeared on February 20. In March it was his blanket was found about 4 miles from where he was last seen. Police officers, private teams and other search and rescue operations had searched the area several times, but nothing was found during different seasons and under different conditions, until last month’s discovery.
The remains — which were confirmed to be a skull and bones — were taken to the Wisconsin Crime Lab for DNA testing, Meinnert said. Once identified, Elijah’s family was notified, Meinnert previously said.
CBS affiliate WDJT-TV in Milwaukee reported that local authorities said Baur turned Elijah over to Vang for “discipline.” The Vue family told the station they do not know how Baur knew Vang, who served six years in prison for methamphetamine distribution. It was Vang’s apartment from which Elijah disappeared, police said, and Vang reported him missing.
A bail hearing is scheduled for Friday afternoon.
