Jesse Vang (Photo courtesy Manitowoc County Sheriff's Office)
MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A judge did not make a ruling Friday on if an FBI forensic geologist will be allowed to testify about the similarities of geologic materials found where Elijah Vue’s body was found to a mixture of sand and gravel used to treat sidewalks found in containers near the home of Jesse Vang.
Jesse Vang, is charged with physical abuse of a child – causing death and hiding a corpse in connection with the death of Vue, 3.
Katrina Baur, the boy’s mother, faces four charges in connection with the treatment, disappearance, and subsequent death of the boy.
The state wants to introduce evidence about the sand and gravel found with the body. The purpose of Friday’s hearing was to determine if Judi Webb, an FBI forensic geologist, can testify at trial.
Webb noted the similarities of the substances Friday, but said she couldn’t answer if the material found near the body came from the bucket along Mishicot Road.
Assistant District Attorney Jill Vendetti said the jury should be able to evaluate the evidence.
Defense attorney Jeffrey Jensen said the court shouldn’t allow the “veneer of expertise” when Webb can’t say the material at the crime does or doesn’t come from the bucket.
Judge Anthony Lambrecht wants to review the transcript of the hearing before issuing a ruling on Sept. 18.
Prosecutors allege Baur sent her son to live with Vang at his Two Rivers apartment for “disciplinary reasons.” Vang reported Vue missing Feb. 20, 2024, and an Amber Alert was issued.
Months later, on Sept. 7, a man preparing his land for hunting season found human remains on private property near the entrance of Camp Manitou, a Girl Scout camp. Those remains were positively identified as Vue’s.
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