A judge in Wisconsin says there is adequate proof to continue with the legal case against the partner of 3-year-old Elijah Vue's mother, as authorities keep looking for the missing child.
Jesse Vang pleaded not guilty to felony chronic child neglect during his arraignment in Manitowoc County court on Monday. The judge scheduled a trial for April 4 after determining there was enough evidence to support the charge.
Vang remains in custody on a $20,000 cash-only bond. according to Fox 6.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Elijah was last seen on February 20 at an apartment in the 3900 block of Mishicot Road in Two Rivers, under the supervision of Vang.
Vang was subsequently arrested on child neglect charges, while Elijah’s mother, Katrina Baur, was arrested and charged with being a party to child neglect. Vang claimed Baur allowed Elijah to stay with him for several weeks, starting on February 12, due to reported behavioral issues.
According to a criminal complaint, Vang reported the child missing, alleging that he had brought Elijah into a bedroom with him around 8 a.m., and instructed him to stand next to the bed and pray. Vang stated he fell asleep and when he woke up three hours later, the child was gone.
Near Vang’s residence, investigators collected various pieces of evidence, including a shoe matching the description of what Elijah was wearing at the time of his disappearance.
The Two Rivers Department (TRPD) recently announced that the reward fund for information leading to Elijah's whereabouts has reached $40,000, with additional funds raised by the department, including $15,000 from the city, $15,000 from the FBI, and $10,000 from Manitowoc County Crime Stoppers.
Elijah is described as Hmong and white, 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 should contact the state tip line at 844-267-6648, Two Rivers police at 920-686-7200, or the P3 app for anonymous tips.
[Feature Photo: Elijah Vue/Twin Rivers PD]