Four years after the disappearance of 5-year-old Michael Vaughan, police in Idaho have charged his former neighbor with murder and related charges.
According to the Payette County Prosecutor’s Office, police charged Stacey Wondra Friday, with the disappearance and murder of Michael, who has not been seen since July 2021.
Police said that Wondra and his former wife, Sarah Wondra, lived near the Vaughn family’s residence in Fruitland when he vanished.
Investigators executed a search warrant on Wondra’s former property on November 11, 2022, after obtaining a credible tip that a body had been buried in the backyard of the home on Redwing Street, as CrimeOnline previously reported.e
CBS 2’s Idaho News reports that a leaked video showed Stacy Wondra, while on FaceTime, directing investigators to where he claimed Sarah had buried Michael.
No remains were found, and detectives said they believe the remains were likely moved to another location. Both Stacey and Sarah Wondra were then named as suspects.
A Payette County lieutenant confirmed to KTVB Friday that Stacey Wondra has been charged with first-degree murder, second-degree kidnapping and destruction of evidence.
The prosecutor’s office said in a press statement that despite not having the victim’s remains, enough evidence has been gathered to make the charges possible.
“After a robust investigation by the Fruitland Police department and countless assisting agencies, we have unfortunately been unable to locate Michael to recover his remains,” Payette County prosecutor, Michael Duke, said.
“Our foremost hope has always been to recover Michael but delays now risk further harm to his loved ones. We believe we know the individuals involved and are committed to pursuing justice with or without Michael’s recovery.”
Sarah Wondra is not currently facing charges. She was initially charged with failing to report a death, but those charges were dropped in 2022.
Stacey Wondra is currently at a prison in Arizona on unrelated charges and has not yet been extradited to Idaho.
The story is developing. Check back for updates.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast. Listen to the latest episode:
[Feature Photo: Michael Vaughan/Fruitland PD]
