The search for missing Wisconsin toddler Elijah Vue expanded to several new areas Wednesday morning, with dozens of volunteers offering assistance.
The community-led search efforts have expanded at Bubolz Nature Preserve in Outagamie County. Simultaneous searches are happening at Mikadow Theater in Manitowoc, the lighthouse in Fond du Lac, Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay, and Pine Oak Forest State Natural Area in Wisconsin Dells.
“Anybody who has kids and a lot of people who don’t have kids… it touches your heart,” search volunteer Lacey Beduhn told WBAY. “Just to hope he’s found. I mean, it’s such a sad, sad thing and I’m just trying to help them out the best I can.”
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Elijah was last seen on February 20 at an apartment in the 3900 block of Mishicot Road in Two Rivers. His caregiver and mother’s boyfriend, Jesse Vang, has since been arrested on child neglect charges.
Elijah’s mother, Katrina Baur, was also arrested and charged with being a party to child neglect. Vang said Baur allowed Elijah to stay with him for several weeks, starting on February 12, for reported behavioral issues.
A criminal complaint stated that Vang reported the child missing, claiming that he brought Elijah into a bedroom with him at around 8 a.m., and ordered him to stand next to the bed and pray. Vang claimed he fell asleep and when he woke up three hours later, the child was gone.
Meanwhile, 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 being of Hmong and white ethnicity 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]
