MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — No trial date was set Tuesday for the mother of three-year-old Elijah Vue, who has been missing for more than three months.
Katrina Baur is charged with being party to chronic neglect of a child. She allegedly sent her son to stay with her boyfriend, Jesse Vang, at his Two Rivers apartment for “disciplinary reasons.”
In court Tuesday, defense attorney Ann Larson said she is still reviewing the evidence in the case and asked for another status conference, which was set for June 20.
Vang, who is also charged with child neglect, reported Vue missing on Feb. 20. Neither Baur nor Vang have been charged in connection with Vue’s disappearance. Both remain in jail.
Vang returns to court June 28 for a status conference. No trial date has been set.
According to the criminal complaint, a photo from a Feb. 13-14 meeting between Baur and Vang shows Vue with bruising on his face and arm. A Feb. 15 photo of Vue shows him “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,” the complaint states.
A text exchange between Vang and Baur is also cited in the criminal complaint.
On February 18, 2024 at approximately 4:36 AM Jesse Vang messages Katrina Baur: ” I told you to trust me.. I’m a make sure he hates me and being here”. She responded ” Don’t want him to *hate* YOU. Just fear you”. Jesse responds “It’s ok. Some one had to be the bad person.” Katrina messaged ” I know but either way at he can fear you and respect you.” Jesse messaged “He did fear me..but he didn’t respect me..now I’m making him respect me.
On April 30, a judge denied Baur’s request to be released from jail on a signature bond.
Two Rivers Police Chief Ben Meinnert says the extensive search for Vue had taken officers to some “unpleasant” places. Meinnert said the search had been narrowed to a 15-to-20-square-mile area around Two Rivers.
On March 18, police revealed that a blanket found between Two Rivers and Manitowoc was confirmed to have belonged to Vue.
Police have also asked the public to check surveillance cameras for video of a beige Nissan Altima that may be connected to the case.
Anything found that may be related to the case should be reported by calling 1-844-267-6648 or through Manitowoc County Crime Stoppers online. Rewards totaling $40,000 are being offered in the case.
Elijah Vue is described as having dark blond hair and brown eyes. He is about three feet tall, weighs about 45 pounds and has a birthmark on his left knee.
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