Two Rivers community grieves as 3-year-old Elijah Vue's remains are positively identified

TWO RIVERS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The search to find a 3-year-old Wisconsin boy has come to an end. Authorities say human skeletal remains found in Two Rivers last week are that of 3-year-old Elijah Vue.

Local, state, and federal authorities announced the news at a Friday news conference. Two Rivers Police Chief Ben Meinnert said, "It is with a heavy heart that I announce to you today those remains were identified as Elijah Vue."

Meinnert choked up during an emotional briefing as he delivered the news. He said, "This is not the outcome we hoped for. The family is devastated, we're devastated, our community is devastated."

A deer hunter in Two Rivers came upon the remains on Saturday, Sept. 7, and immediately notified law enforcement.

It's not known how long the remains had been there. Police said that area had previously been searched several times by law enforcement, private groups, the landowner, drones, and search and rescue teams.

Kathy Hasselman was on the farm across from where the bones were found. She told CBS 58 she would not be surprised if the remains belonged to Vue because she claims Baur once lived on the farm Hasselman's sister now owns.

The state crime lab confirmed a skull and bones found last Saturday are Elijah's. Police said they notified his family.

What had been a search effort is now an emotional death investigation.

Vue had been missing for more than six months. Vue was reported missing on Feb. 20 by his caretaker, Jesse Vang. Vang was dating Elijah's mother, Katrina Baur, who sent the little boy to Vang's home in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, for "disciplinary reasons."

Baur and Vang were arrested two days after he went missing on child neglect charges.

An Amber Alert was launched in an effort to find Vue. For more than six months, thousands of people in the Two Rivers community had clung to hope.

Meinnert said, "I never met Elijah, but I watched that 3-year-old boy bring out the best in this community."

The massive search spanned several counties, and involved local, state, and federal authorities. Community members spent hours searching for the boy, on land, from the air, and in the water. And many more donated money, food, and their time.

Tammy Hartwig lives in Two Rivers. She said Friday's news caused "A lot of heartbreak. A lot of devastation."

Hartwig was among those grieving, saying, "I'm glad he's been found. And I'm glad justice can finally come."

Max Markham said Elijah was all anyone talked about since he went missing. "You heard about this kid that went missing all the time. But nobody knew any information."

And there are still lots of unknowns.

Police refused to take questions about when autopsy results are expected that could show the manner and cause of death, or whether all of Elijah's remains were recovered, and if or when new charges could be referred.

In the meantime, the grieving continues.

Assistant Police Chief Melissa Wiesner said, "Elijah was a little guy, but he left a huge impact on all of us. And he will not be forgotten."

The investigation is ongoing.