Charges Filed in Connection with Death of Missing Wisconsin Toddler
Manitowoc County, WI – Authorities have filed serious charges against two individuals in connection with the death of a young toddler, Elijah Vue, who was reported missing from Two Rivers earlier this year. The case has drawn widespread attention and sparked deep community concern as investigators worked tirelessly to uncover the events leading to the tragic outcome.
Jesse Vang, 39, who was in a relationship with Elijah’s mother, Katrina Baur, 31, is facing several severe felony charges in relation to the death. The charges include physical abuse of a child resulting in death, repeated acts of abuse leading to death, and hiding a corpse. Additionally, Vang has been charged with obstructing an officer, which is classified as a misdemeanor.
Katrina Baur, Elijah's mother, is also facing multiple charges stemming from the investigation into her son's disappearance and subsequent death. These include felony charges for chronic neglect of a child, which resulted in the child's death, and child neglect involving a child under the age of six. She is also being charged with two counts of resisting or obstructing an officer, both misdemeanors.
The charges come after an exhaustive investigation conducted by local law enforcement. The case began earlier this year when Jesse Vang reported Elijah missing on February 20, 2024. The report of the missing toddler immediately sparked an intensive search, but hope began to fade as time passed. The heart-wrenching discovery of Elijah’s remains on September 7, 2024, in a rural area of Manitowoc County, marked the tragic end to the search and prompted a deeper inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Manitowoc County District Attorney Jacalyn LaBre emphasized the complexity of the investigation, highlighting the thorough review of numerous pieces of evidence that ultimately led to the charges being filed. "This has been a complex investigation involving a meticulous review of hundreds of pages of police reports, video evidence, and other materials. The charges we have filed today reflect that diligent and thorough work," LaBre said.
According to the district attorney’s office, Vang had previously been charged with child neglect in connection to events prior to Elijah’s disappearance and death, a fact that underscores the ongoing issues surrounding the care and safety of the child. These new charges represent the culmination of months of investigative work by law enforcement, as they pieced together the tragic sequence of events.
Court documents reveal that Vang and Baur were both involved in activities that contributed to the fatal outcome, with neglect and abuse being central to the charges. The exact details of how Elijah was harmed or how his death occurred have not been fully disclosed to the public, as the investigation continues to be reviewed by legal experts in preparation for the upcoming court proceedings.
The case has gripped the local community, with many expressing outrage and sorrow over the senseless loss of such a young life. The gravity of the charges against Vang and Baur reflects the seriousness of the crimes, as authorities seek justice for the toddler. Experts in child welfare and family services have weighed in, stating that the case highlights the urgent need for stronger safeguards for children who may be at risk of abuse or neglect within their own homes.
Vang and Baur are both scheduled to appear in court on Friday to face these newly filed charges. Legal experts anticipate that the trial will be a lengthy and emotionally charged process, as the community, and the broader public, continues to seek answers about how this tragedy could have been prevented.
The death of Elijah Vue has prompted further discussions in Wisconsin about child welfare policies and the resources available to families who may be struggling. As more details emerge about the events leading up to Elijah’s death, there will likely be increased calls for reform and support for at-risk children to prevent future tragedies of this nature.
