A tragic development has occurred in the case of a missing three-year-old in Wisconsin, as a hunter discovered remains on his property.
Elijah Vue was reported missing on February 20 this year, leaving his family in a desperate search for answers.
In a press conference on September 13, police confirmed that DNA analysis identified the remains as those of the young boy.
Reports indicate the skeletal remains were found in northeastern Wisconsin. The hunter, preparing for deer season, made the discovery on his land.
The location is in the rural municipality of Two Rivers, an area surrounded by woods.
Police stated that Elijah was last seen at his mother’s boyfriend’s home in Two Rivers, just eight days after being dropped off to learn how to be a ‘man’.
Two Rivers Police Chief Benjamin Meinnert expressed the community’s sorrow over this news.
During the live-streamed conference on Facebook, he said, “It is with a heavy heart that I announce to you today, those remains were identified as Elijah Vue. With that news, and following this briefing, the Amber Alert will be canceled.”
Meinnert added, “This is not the outcome that we hoped for.
“The family is devastated. We are devastated. The community is devastated.”
A forensic anthropologist at the state crime lab verified that the remains belonged to Elijah.
The police have conducted extensive searches in Two Rivers since Elijah was reported missing, and during one search, his blanket was found.
Meinnert noted that the location of Elijah’s remains had been repeatedly searched by law enforcement, private searchers, the landowner, aerial teams, and various search and rescue units.
The remains were found just as another search was being planned for the following week.
Upon discovering the bones, authorities had to confirm they were human.
Once verified, the remains were sent to the Wisconsin Crime Lab for DNA testing, which confirmed they were Elijah’s.
The situation began in February when Elijah’s mother, Katrina Baur, 31, left him with her boyfriend, Jesse Vang.
Since the boy was reported missing, Baur has faced charges of felony child maltreatment and two counts of misdemeanor resisting or obstructing an officer, to which she has pleaded not guilty.
Vang, 39, has also been charged with one count of criminal child neglect, also pleading not guilty.
The criminal complaint states Baur left her son with Vang on February 12 to teach him ‘becoming a man’, and Vang reported him missing on February 20 after he allegedly disappeared following a three-hour nap.
Meinnert mentioned that Elijah’s remains were located about three miles from Vang’s residence, and the investigation continues to uncover what transpired with the boy.
If you have suffered a bereavement and need to speak to someone confidentially, contact The Compassionate Friends at (877) 969-0010.