Following a request from his lawyer for a revised criminal complaint, prosecutors filed more details concerning Jesse Vang, a caregiver who reported 3-year-old Wisconsin tot, Elijah Vue, as missing.
Vang was caring for Elijah when the child vanished from a Twin Rivers apartment complex in the 3900 block of Mishicot Road on February 20. While Elijah remains unaccounted for, Vue’s mother, Katrina Baur, who entrusted Vang to watch the child for a few weeks, is behind bars facing a party to child neglect charge.
Vang is also behind bars, facing a child neglect charge, as CrimeOnline previously reported.
Earlier this week, Vang’s attorney filed a motion requesting either the dismissal or revision of the criminal complaint, arguing that it lacked specificity, hindering Vang’s ability to defend himself against the charges.
Jesse Vang Motion to Make … by Leigh Egan
On Tuesday, Manitowoc County prosecutors filed court documents that provided further details about the charges against Vang, including specifics about a meeting between Vang and Baur on February 13-14. A photograph taken around that time was also added, which showed Elijah with bruising on his face and arm.
Another photo, dated February 15, showed Elijah “standing in corner in diaper only, hands appear to be in praying position, and the diaper looks full. It appears to have been taken at Jesse Vang’s apartment,” according to the complaint.
Prosecutors also added a text message exchange between Baur and Vang, with Vang allegedly suggesting that the child didn’t respect him. The text message exchange, according to court documents, happened on February 18, starting with a text from Vang at around 4:36 a.m.
Vang: “I told you to trust me.. I’m a make sure he hates me and being here.”
Baur: “Don’t want him to *hate* YOU. Just fear you.”
Vang: “It’s ok. Some one had to be the bad person.”
Baur: “I know but either way at he can fear you and respect you.”
Vang: “He did fear me..but he didn’t respect me..now I’m making him respect me.”
Vang’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for Thursday, while Baur’s arraignment is set for Friday.
Meanwhile, the search for Elijah continues.
His blanket was located on Goodwin Road, east of County Road B, within Manitowoc County, approximately 3.7 miles away from the apartment complex where he was initially reported missing.
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.
Investigators have gathered evidence near Vang’s apartment, including a shoe matching the description of what Elijah was wearing when he disappeared.
The Two Rivers Department (TRPD) announced earlier this week 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]
