Elijah Vue's mom facing new charges as 3-year-old is still missing
MANITOWOC COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) – More than two weeks after the disappearance of a 3-year-old boy, his mother is facing new charges in connection to his disappearance.
Elijah Vue was reported missing on Feb. 20 by his caretaker, Jesse Vang. Vang was dating Elijah's mother, Katrina Baur, who sent the little boy to Vang's home in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, for "disciplinary reasons."
On Thursday, Baur appeared virtually in court. Her attorney filed a motion to have her $15,000 bond reduced to a signature bond, claiming she is not a danger to the public or a flight risk.
Manitowoc County District Attorney Jaclyn LaBre revealed in court that the criminal complaint in the case against Baur was updated to change her initial charge of child neglect regarding Elijah's disappearance to chronic child neglect while adding a charge of child neglect of her 6-year-old.
"There is also evidence that on Feb. 14, she left the 6-year-old unattended in a vehicle for approximately an hour in cold weather. The temperature around that time was around 27 to 30 degrees," LaBre said.
LaBre also read a statement from Baur's mother, explaining why she believes her daughter's bail is justified.
"Katrina has struggled with depression and anxiety for many years and has a history of erratic behavior...I have been a victim of her verbal and emotional abuse for a very long time," she said in the statement.
"At this time, rather than aligning and locating her son, she feels the need to reiterate what a good guy Jesse is and is fully defending him and his actions. By aligning with him, she could potentially have access to his extended family and the ability to flee the area."
Based on Baur's actions during Elijah's disappearance, Judge Robert Dewane denied the motion.
"You know, her son was missing, and she was not being truthful with law enforcement about whether or not she was in the area," Dewane said.
Vang also appeared in court but is still waiting for counsel. Vang told Judge Dewane that he would file a motion for his $20,000 bond to be reduced. Vang and Baur will be in court at 11 a.m. on March 14.
This week, authorities issued new information about a vehicle that may be connected to Vue’s disappearance. Police say it is a beige, 1997 four-door Nissan Altima with Wisconsin license plates beginning with an “A” and ending with a “0.” Authorities are asking homeowners and businesses in Two Rivers and adjacent counties to review their surveillance camera footage captured Feb. 19, between 2 and 9 p.m.
The community is asked to complete a short form and upload a video here. If you have technical difficulties or do not have access to upload your video, please call the tipline at (844)-267-6648.
Manitowoc County Crime Stoppers is offering a $10,000 reward for information in the Elijah Vue case. The FBI is offering a $15,000 reward for information, making the combined reward $25,000.