Elijah Vue Amber Alert: Volunteers search salvage yard for missing 3-year-old
Updated: 7:42 p.m. on April 8, 2024
MANITOWOC COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- In Manitowoc County, the search for Elijah Vue continues.
Volunteers focused on a salvage yard Monday, April 8, as they look for the missing 3-year-old.
Elijah was last seen on Feb. 20. The searchers say Monday's effort isn't because of any new information, they're just trying to cover more land and stay positive.
There will be another group going out Tuesday to continue the search in Manitowoc.
Updated: 4:12 p.m. on March 18, 2024
MANITOWOC COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A blanket belonging to Elijah Vue was located in Manitowoc County.
Police say the blanket -- found on Goodwin Road east of County Road B -- was located 3.7 miles from where Vue was reported missing on Feb. 20.
The search remains ongoing.
Updated: 11:11 a.m. on March 13, 2024
BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The volunteer search for Elijah Vue has moved to Brown County.
The 3-year-old disappeared three weeks ago from Two Rivers in Manitowoc County.
On Tuesday, volunteers went to the trails near Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary. One woman is now collecting items to help the search effort.
"This leads the way for us to give back, to try to bring him home. Even if we can't dedicate the hours that other searchers are able to," said Jackie Damiano, volunteer.
Damiano works for Bellin Health.
Her initiative is looking to collect things like small flashlights and batteries, compasses, whistles, bandages, single-use first aid ointment and hand sanitizer as well as vinyl gloves.
Damiano says donations for search items will be collected at Bellin's Two Rivers and Manitowoc locations until March 25.
Updated: 5:46 p.m. on March 11, 2024
TWO RIVERS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Two Rivers police say the total combined reward for information leading to the discovery of Elijah is now up to $40,000 thanks to additional funds raised by donations set up through the city.
Donations can be made in person at the Two Rivers Police Department or by mail to Manitowoc County Crime Stoppers Inc.:
1025 S. 9th Street
Manitowoc, Wisconsin, 54220
Search efforts will continue this week. Anyone with information is asked to contact the tip line at 844-267-6648.
Updated: 11 a.m. on March 6, 2024
TWO RIVERS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Manitowoc County Crime Stoppers is offering a $10,000 reward for information in the Elijah Vue case. The FBI is offering a $15,000 reward for information -- making the combined reward of $25,000.
Updated: 2:25 p.m. on March 5, 2024
TWO RIVERS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The search continues for 3-year-old Elijah Vue who went missing Feb. 20th. This morning, law enforcement, including the FBI, searched rural parts of Manitowoc County. The search comes one day after law enforcement issued new information about a vehicle that may be connected to Vue’s disappearance.
Police say it’s a beige, 1997 four door Nissan Altima with Wisconsin license plates beginning with “A” and ending in “0.”
Businesses around Two Rivers have put up blue hearts and ribbons. Community members say blue is Vue’s favorite color and they hope the hearts will guide Vue home.
Alex Dewitt has been part of community wide search efforts for Vue.
“At least twice a week. I participated three times last week and I went looking on Sunday again this week. As much as I can, you never know where he could be or if someone didn’t search something thoroughly enough,” said Dewitt.
Dewitt says it’s been heartbreaking to know that law enforcement still hasn’t found Vue.
“You know there’s hope in my heart that he’s still going to come home safe and sound, but my gut tells me otherwise. It's just too long for a 3-year-old to be safe out there,” said Dewitt.
Vue’s mother and her boyfriend have been charged with child neglect. Both maintain they had nothing to do with Vue’s disappearance.
Dewitt says every search will help community members get close to answers.
“I just hope that everyone knows that everyone is important in this effort. Every single person. Even if you’re not finding anything, the fact that you’re willing to go out there and help your community, that’s what’s important,” said Dewitt.
Authorities are also asking homeowners and businesses in Two Rivers and adjacent counties to review their surveillance camera footage captured on Feb. 19 between the hours of 2 p.m.-9 p.m.
You're asked to complete a short form and upload video here. If you have technical difficulties or do not have access to upload your video, please call the tipline at 844-267-6648.
Police say search efforts will be expanded Tuesday, with large-scale coordinated operations across the state. Law enforcement in those operations will have identification and badges with them.
Contributions made to this report by CBS 58's Duaa Israr
Updated: 6:28 p.m. on Feb. 27, 2024
TWO RIVERS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The FBI is now offering a $15,000 reward in the case of missing 3-year-old Elijah Vue.
The announcement came during a news conference Tuesday with Two Rivers police.
The boy was reported missing one week ago today, triggering a search in Two Rivers and beyond.
Elijah's mother and her boyfriend have both been charged with child neglect.
"To anyone who might have information about Elijah's whereabouts, we plead you to come forward. Your courage, your compassion, your willingness to speak out could be key to Elijah's safe return," said Linda Vue, Elijah's aunt.
Manitowoc County Crime Stoppers is also offering a $1,000 reward.
If you know anything about Elijah's disappearance, please contact the state tip line at 1-844-267-6648.
Updated: Feb. 24 at 3:09 p.m.
TWO RIVERS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The search for a missing toddler who was last seen in Manitowoc County expanded Saturday as law enforcement deployed new aerial resources in hopes of finding 3-year-old Elijah Vue.
Two Rivers Police Chief Ben Meinnert said in a statement around 8:30 p.m. Saturday night law enforcement would continue its search efforts "on land and water throughout the night."
Meinnert said the extended search was being done to "maximize the resources offered to us."
Vue has been missing since Tuesday. Meinnert said Wings of Hope and NorthStar Rescue were joining the search Saturday.
Meinnert told CBS 58 in an email the search would focus on waterways, specifically the two rivers that cut through this community of about 11,200, the West Twin River and East Twin River.
As the search expanded, law enforcement was set up at Magee Elementary School in Two Rivers. At the school Saturday afternoon, local law enforcement was present, as was the Wisconsin State Patrol and FBI personnel.
Two Rivers authorities say the boy's mother, Katrina Baur, 31, handed Vue over to a man, Jesse Vang, 33, for discipline. During a bail hearing Friday, prosecutors said Baur, who lives in Wisconsin Dells, was aware of the "tactics" used by Vang.
Members of the Vue family were searching a wooded area near the Indian Creek dog park just north of Manitowoc.
Vue's uncle, Orson Vue, said the family was mentally and emotionally drained, but added it they were drawing energy from seeing strangers organize their own searches and encouraging messages they've received from around the U.S. and beyond.
"It means everything, to be honest," Vue said. "If it was just me and my family doing this search, I don't know what we'd even do. With the whole world, really, reaching out, giving their support, their love, it means the world, and we couldn't do it without them."
Two Rivers police stated in a release Friday night the search had also expanded beyond Northeast Wisconsin. Investigators were also looking at Wisconsin Dells, where Baur resides.
Orson Vue said his family hadn't seen Elijah since the boy was at most six months old. Vue said the family was withholding judgement on Baur until they learned more.
"We're not gonna rule anything out," he said. "But we're not gonna just come out and put blame on one particular person and say they did this or that when nobody really knows anything yet."
Baur and Vang have hearings scheduled for Monday afternoon at the Manitowoc County Courthouse.
Updated Feb. 23, 2024, at 5:31 p.m.
MANITOWOC, Wis. (CBS 58) -- As the search continues for a missing three-year-old boy, more details on the days leading up to his disappearance have been released.
In court on Friday, prosecutors shed light on the reason three-year-old Elijah Vue was in the Two Rivers community when he was last reported seen Tuesday, Feb. 23
"She intentionally sent that child for disciplinary reasons for than a week to the residence," Manitowoc County District Attorney Jacalyn LaBre said. "She was aware of the tactics used and the lack of care provided. This was an intentional thing by her."
LaBre believes Vue's mother, Katrina Baur, sent her son to the home of Jesse Vang, who used disciplinary "tactics" on the little boy. Baur lives in Wisconsin Dells, and investigators believe she sent her son to Vang's house for a week, and now they are both facing charges of child neglect.
The Vue family told us they have no idea how Katrina Baur and Jesse Vang knew each other, and the Vue family has not spoken with Baur in three years.
Vang, who recently served six years in prison for the distribution of methamphetamine, is the person prosecutors believe is responsible for the child's disappearance. Meanwhile, LaBre said in court that during interviews with police, Baur changed her story multiple times when asked where she was this last week so charges of contempt could be forthcoming.
Elijah's family read a court statement about why they believe Baur should not get cash bail.
"They are the last two to have seen our baby Elijah and, at this moment, are the prime suspects. So, until we find the truth as to the whereabouts of Elijah, we would like to make sure these two are readily available for questioning," a family member said.
The court commissioner acknowledged Elijah's disappearance cast a shadow over Friday's hearing. But the only charges brought forward to that point were the child neglect charges.
"That, of course, pulls at the court's feelings and emotions and heartstrings for the care of the child, but it doesn't change the nature of the charges from any other neglect case," Manitowoc County Judge Patricia Koppa said. "I suspect that as charging decisions are made, there could be other charges added."
Judge Koppa set bail for Baur at $15,000 and $20,000 for Vang.
Both are scheduled to be back in court Monday, Feb. 26 at 1:30 p.m.
Just down the road from the county courthouse, a small cinema was the headquarters for the community's first search party efforts in Manitowoc after searching for Elijah for two days in Two Rivers.
"We're going day by day, just really doing whatever we can, anything we can, with still a lot of hope to find him," Elijah's Aunt Sue Xiong said.
"You know, you see a lot of this on TV, you don't realize that it's truly a reality, and so to really see this is heartwarming. it's overwhelming, the support and love, it just really shows that there are good people out there and really here to help us find Elijah."
Law enforcement also ramped up its presence, though quietly, and a Two Rivers church was used as an expanded headquarters.
Another search party was organized for Saturday morning, to start at 9:30 a.m. at Neshotah Beach on the north end of Two Rivers. Police say Wings of Hope and NorthStar Rescue will be joining the search efforts on Saturday, Feb. 24.
Anyone with information on Eiljah's whereabouts is asked to contact police at 920-686-7200.
Updated: Feb. 22, 2024, at 7:39 p.m.
According to the Two Rivers Police Department, Jesse Vang and Katrina Baur have been arrested on allegation of child neglect. Baur is the mother of Elijah Vue. Vang and Baur have bail hearings scheduled at 12:45 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 23.
Elijah was last seen Tuesday morning at an apartment building investigators have searched throughout the week.
That building is also Vang's last place of residence, according to court records. A small memorial to Eijah grew outside.
Earlier Thursday, investigators searched a landfill for 50 minutes west of Two Rivers, in Calumet County. But both the Two Rivers Police Department and the FBI refused to say if or how it was connected to the search for Elijah.
In a statement Thursday night, Two Rivers police defended the lack of information being shared, saying the department cannot jeopardize the investigation.
The statement read in part, "Some might be frustrated, however everything we do is well thought out and planned."
But that information vacuum has fueled rampant rumors on social media.
Members of the nearby Silver Creek Fire Department have helped search for Elijah, but this week the department fired a member for repeatedly posting false information about that search.
Police say they are exploring all possibilities to locate Elijah as the third day of searching continues. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 920-686-7200.
Updated: Feb. 22, 2024, at 3:24 p.m.
TWO RIVERS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- An Amber Alert is still active for 3-year-old Elijah Vue in Manitowoc County Thursday, Feb. 22. There hasn't been much shared to the public since Elijah's disappearance on Tuesday, Feb. 20.
Wednesday night, Two Rivers police confirmed Elijah's mother was taken into custody in the Manitowoc County Jail. Police did not say when she was taken into custody, or the reason why she's being held.
Family members confirmed her identity; however, CBS 58 is not naming her at this time because she has not been charged with a crime.
Vue's mother was supposed to have a court appearance Thursday, but it was canceled with no explanation.
Investigators were seen on the 3800 hundred block of Mishicot Road in Two Rivers Thursday morning.
Community members have been taking time to search for any sign of Elijah.
"I had some tears; I'm not going to lie. It's a very sad situation," said Kathleen Beverly, a Manitowoc resident helping search on Thursday.
Beverly and her son, Aaron Ressler, started at 9:30 a.m., searching with others at the beach. They then searched the Ice Age Trail, just five minutes from the apartment building where Elijah was last seen.
"I want to find answers for the family, and I want to help this little boy," Ressler said.
While they don't know Elijah or his family personally, they want to be part of the community's effort.
"It touched my heart and I just had to get out and see if I could be a part of trying to find him," Beverly said.
There was a visibly smaller law enforcement presence across the town Thursday.
"It's way quieter with that than it was yesterday," Beverly said.
For many, the lack of information has been frustrating.
"Everyone was feeling really hopeful at first. Now I feel like people are getting a little discouraged, but we're still banding together as a community to do what we can," Ressler said.
Community members are waiting to learn more from police and constantly hoping for Elijah's safe return.
"I'm worried about the outcome. You know, it's devastating when there's a 3-year-old that can't be found," Beverly said.
Police have not said if any updates will be shared Thursday night.
Published: Feb. 21, 2024
TWO RIVERS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- An Amber Alert has been issued for a 3-year-old boy missing from Two Rivers in Manitowoc County. Authorities said Wednesday evening, Feb. 21, the mother of Elijah Vue was taken into custody.
Police say 3-year-old Elijah was last seen at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, in the 3900 block of Mishicot Road.
He's described as having Hmong and white ethnicity with sandy blonde hair, brown eyes, standing 3' tall and weighing about 45 pounds. He has a birth mark on his left knee.
Elijah was last seen wearing gray pants, a long-sleeved dark shirt and red and green dinosaur shoes. He may be carrying a red and white plaid blanket as pictured.
Dozens of family friends and neighbors have joined the search.
“We don’t want to think about the bad things that may possibly happen to him and we’re hopeful," said Orson Vue, Elija's uncle.
With a cemetery across the street, and woods nearby, there's a lot a little boy could get into. Searchers say they will look everywhere.
There are questions about who was caring for Elijah when he went missing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 920-686-7200.