Katrina Baur and her boyfriend face charges in connection to the death of three-year-old Elijah Vue, who was missing for months before his remains were found
In a tragic and disturbing case, Katrina Baur and her boyfriend, Jesse Vang, have been charged with the murder of Baur’s three-year-old son, Elijah Vue. Elijah’s remains were discovered on September 7, months after he was first reported missing on February 20. The charges against the couple escalated from neglect to homicide after authorities made the grim discovery.
Boyfriend allegedly killed child in an attempt to “toughen him up”
Police believe that Baur allowed Vang to discipline her son in an attempt to “toughen him up.” According to investigators, this so-called discipline led to the boy’s death. Initially, Vang claimed he woke up to find Elijah missing, but the investigation has since uncovered disturbing details, including text messages from Baur to Vang that suggest she attempted to cover up the crime.
In one of the texts, Baur reportedly told Vang, “Don’t say too much” and “Attorney K.” These messages, authorities allege, were sent to prevent Vang from fully cooperating with law enforcement during their investigation into Elijah’s disappearance.
Human remains discovered by a deer hunter
Elijah’s remains were found by a deer hunter in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, months after he went missing. The Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office was alerted, and soon after the case against Baur and Vang took a more serious turn. Both had originally been charged with child neglect but are now facing homicide charges.
Manitowoc County District Attorney Jacalyn LaBre emphasized the gravity of Baur’s role in her son’s death, stating that Baur “allowed and sent the victim to the residence for boot camp and discipline.” She added, “She condoned it and allowed it to happen and left him there days before he passed away when she had the opportunity to remove him from that situation.”
Prosecutors allege attempted cover-up
LaBre also pointed out that Vang allegedly tried to conceal the crime by hiding Elijah’s body. “He did try to conceal where our victim was placed, and as the court was aware, it did take time for us to locate the victim,” LaBre said.
The medical examiner from Fond du Lac County confirmed Elijah’s death as a homicide, though the specific cause of death remains undisclosed. Vang faces multiple charges, including physical abuse of a child, repeated acts toward causing death, hiding a corpse, and obstructing an officer. Baur has been charged with chronic neglect of a child and obstructing an officer.
Denial of involvement
Despite the charges, both Baur and Vang have denied any involvement in Elijah’s disappearance or death. However, with the evidence continuing to mount against them, their denials may not be enough to escape accountability for the horrific crime that took the life of a young boy.
The community remains in shock, as more details emerge about the tragic case of Elijah Vue, a child who suffered unspeakable harm in the very home where he should have been safe.