TWO RIVERS, Wis. — 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 was confirmed to be that of the child, who had been missing since February.
Manitowoc County District Attorney Jacalyn LaBre said at a news conference that Vue’s mother, Katrina Baur, faces charges of chronic neglect of a child, as well as obstructing a police officer. Her boyfriend, Jesse Vang, is charged with physical abuse of a child, repeated acts to cause death, concealing a corpse and obstructing an officer. Both have previously been charged with child neglect.
“This is an incredibly tragic situation that has shaken our community. My thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Elijah’s family, who are enduring unimaginable pain,” LaBre said.
Vue disappeared on February 20th. In March his blanket was found about 2.3 miles from where he was last seen. Law enforcement officials, private teams and other search and rescue efforts had searched the area several times, but nothing turned up in different seasons and conditions, until last month’s discovery.
The remains — confirmed to be a skull and bones — were taken to the Wisconsin Crime Lab for DNA testing, Meinnert said. As soon as they were 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 don’t know how Baur knew Vang, who served six years in prison for distributing methamphetamine. It was Vang’s apartment that Elijah disappeared from, police said, and Vang who reported him missing.
A bail hearing has been scheduled for Friday afternoon.