TWO RIVERS – Authorities in Manitowoc County are currently investigating the discovery of human skeletal remains found on private property in the town of Two Rivers on Saturday.
According to a news release shared by the Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday evening, it is still unclear whether the remains are connected to the disappearance of 4-year-old Elijah Vue, who has been missing since February.
The remains were discovered by a local deer hunter, who promptly contacted law enforcement. The sheriff’s office emphasized that identifying the remains will take time, describing the process as “lengthy” and stating the investigation is ongoing.
No information regarding the race, age, or sex of the remains has been released at this time. The sheriff’s office confirmed they are working with multiple agencies, including the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Wisconsin State Crime Lab, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Anthropology Department, Two Rivers Police Department, and the Manitowoc County Coroner’s Office.
Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
The Dan O’Donnell Show host, Dan O’Donnell, first reported on X (formerly Twitter) that a child’s remains were found on Saturday. However, when asked for comment, the Two Rivers Police Department declined to confirm, stating that they had “no comment” on reports regarding the discovery of human remains.
Throughout the search for Elijah Vue, the Two Rivers Police Department has maintained that they are the only official source of information regarding the case.
On the six-month anniversary of Elijah’s disappearance, Capt. Andrew Raatz of the Two Rivers Police Department warned the public against spreading false or misleading information, calling it disrespectful to Elijah’s family and a hindrance to the investigation.
Timeline of Elijah Vue’s Disappearance
Elijah was 3 years old when he was first reported missing on February 20, 2024. His fourth birthday was celebrated in his absence on August 25 during a community event at Kiwanis Park in Appleton.
Elijah was reported missing by Jesse Vang, the 39-year-old boyfriend of Elijah’s mother, Katrina B. Baur. Vang told police that the last time he saw Elijah was around 8 a.m. on February 20 after punishing the boy by making him stand and pray by Vang’s bed. Vang said he fell asleep, and when he woke up nearly three hours later, Elijah was gone. Vang called 911 at 10:59 a.m. to report the child missing.
Following Elijah’s disappearance, both Vang and Baur were arrested on charges of child neglect. They remain in custody at the Manitowoc County Jail, with Baur held on a $15,000 cash bond and Vang on a $20,000 cash bond.
Baur, 31, has been charged with felony child neglect, misdemeanor child neglect involving another child, and resisting or obstructing an officer. Her next court appearance is scheduled for October 22. Vang faces neglect charges related to Elijah’s disappearance and is due in court on September 27.
The Search for Elijah
The search for Elijah Vue has been extensive, involving the canvassing of both urban and rural areas, aerial drone searches, K9 units, and even searches by horseback. Authorities have also examined rivers, lakeshores, a landfill in Calumet County, and a farm waste container in Manitowoc County. Investigators have analyzed large amounts of video data, and search efforts have extended to Baur’s hometown in Wisconsin Dells.
Authorities are still offering reward money for information leading to Elijah’s discovery or the arrest and conviction of those responsible for his disappearance. The FBI has offered $15,000, Manitowoc County Crime Stoppers has contributed $10,000, and the city of Two Rivers has raised an additional $15,000 through community donations.