A Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, judge on Thursday ordered Jesse Vang to stand trial on a child neglect charge in connection with the disappearance of his 3-year-old Elijah Vue, who vanished while under Vang’s care.
According to Fox News Digital, the decision came after testimony from Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office Detective Michael Herrmann and Two Rivers Police Department Detective Jacob Glaeser, who said there was sufficient evidence to proceed with the case.
The judge also rejected a defense motion seeking to dismiss the charges.
Vang was formally charged in February with felony child neglect related to Elijah’s disappearance.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Vang was caring for Elijah when the child vanished from a Twin Rivers apartment complex in the 3900 block of Mishicot Road on February 20. While Elijah remains unaccounted for, Vue’s mother, Katrina Baur, who entrusted Vang to watch the child for a few weeks, is also behind bars facing a party to child neglect charge.
In court, Thursday, District Attorney Jacalyn LaBre and Vang’s defense attorneys, Timothy Hogan and Michael Turner, questioned the detectives about their involvement in the investigation and why Vang was charged with child neglect.
The questions primarily revolved around the discipline Vang enforced on Elijah, such as making him stand for extended periods with his hands in a “praying position,” according to the Herald Times Reporter. They also asked about an incident where Vang allegedly subjected Elijah to a cold shower after the child soiled his diaper.
Glaeser also referenced a picture discovered in a deleted folder on Baur’s phone. The image depicted Elijah wearing a blindfold with bruising around his face and arms.
Vang remains behind bars on a $20,000 cash bond. His arraignment hearing is scheduled for April 16.
Jesse Vang Motion to Make … by Leigh Egan
Meanwhile, the search for Elijah continues.
His blanket was located on Goodwin Road, east of County Road B, within Manitowoc County, approximately 3.7 miles from the apartment complex. Investigators gathered evidence near Vang’s apartment, including a shoe matching the description of what Elijah was wearing when he vanished.
The Two Rivers Department (TRPD) previously announced that the reward fund for information that leads to Elijah has reached $40,000, following additional funds raised by the department. This also includes $15,000 from the city, $15,000 from the FBI, and $10,000 from Manitowoc County Crime Stoppers.
Elijah is described as Hmong and white, with dark blond hair and brown eyes. He stands 3 feet tall, weighs between 35 and 40 pounds, and has a birthmark on his left knee.
He was last seen wearing gray pants, a long-sleeved, dark shirt, and red and green dinosaur slip-on shoes. He may have been carrying a red and white plaid blanket.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the state tip line at 844-267-6648, Two Rivers police at 920-686-7200, or the P3 app for anonymous tips.
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[Feature Photo: Elijah Vue/Twin Rivers PD]
