TWO RIVERS, WI — In a distressing case that has rocked the Two Rivers community, the mother of 3-year-old Elijah Vue and her partner face severe charges following the boy’s death, officials said. Katrina Baur, the boy’s mother, has been indicted on charges including chronic neglect of a child resulting in death, officials announced this week.
Jesse Vang, identified as Baur’s partner, faces equally serious accusations, including repeated physical abuse of a child and concealing a corpse. The charges stem from a lengthy police investigation initiated after the child’s disappearance earlier this year, culminating in a tragic discovery months later.
Manitowoc County District Attorney Jacalyn LaBre, during a news conference, expressed profound sadness over the young boy’s death, describing it as a life “tragically cut short.” LaBre also shared condolences with Elijah’s grieving family as they navigate this challenging period.
The police investigation began after Baur and Vang were arrested for child neglect following Elijah’s reported disappearance on February 20. According to authorities, Vang told the police he had fallen asleep and upon waking, discovered that Elijah was missing, leading to a frantic 911 call.
Further investigation uncovered unsettling dynamics between Baur and Vang. Reports indicated that Baur had sent Elijah to stay with Vang for disciplinary reasons, fully aware of the harsh methods Vang employed. Allegedly, Baur believed this environment would teach Elijah how to “be a man,” a decision underpinned by a grave misjudgment of Vang’s caregiving capacities.
Elijah’s remains were eventually located on September 7, in a remote wooded area about three miles from his last known location. The discovery was made by a local preparing his property for hunting season. This revelation redirected the focus of law enforcement towards securing justice for Elijah and establishing the full circumstances surrounding his untimely death.
At a community level, the incident has left deep scars. Two Rivers Police Chief Benjamin Meinnert addressed the pervasive sorrow during a press briefing, acknowledging both the family and community’s devastation over the loss of so young a life.
Both Baur and Vang have entered pleas of not guilty to the initial charges of child neglect. As the proceedings unfold with these additional severe charges, the Two Rivers community is clinging to hope for justice in the heart-wrenching demise of a child whose life was abruptly and tragically ended.