A Wisconsin judge says there is enough evidence to proceed with the case against the boyfriend of 3-year-old Elijah Vue’s mother, as the search for the missing tot continues.
Jesse Vang entered a plea of not guilty to felony chronic child neglect during his arraignment in Manitowoc County court Monday. After finding sufficient evidence to uphold the charge, the judge set a trial date for April 4.
Vang remains behind bars on a $20,000 cash-only bond, according to Fox 6.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Elijah was last seen on February 20 at an apartment in the 3900 block of Mishicot Road in Two Rivers, in the care of Vang.
Vang was subsequently arrested on child neglect charges while Elijah’s mother, Katrina Baur, was arrested and charged with being a party to child neglect. Vang said Baur allowed Elijah to stay with him for several weeks, starting on February 12, for reported behavioral issues.
A criminal complaint stated that Vang reported the child missing, claiming that he brought Elijah into a bedroom with him at around 8 a.m., and ordered him to stand next to the bed and pray. Vang claimed he fell asleep and when he woke up three hours later, the child was gone.
Close to Vang’s apartment, investigators gathered various pieces of evidence, including a shoe matching the description of what Elijah was wearing at the time of his disappearance.
The Two Rivers Department (TRPD) announced earlier this month 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]
