Wisconsin: Elijah Vue

Missing 3-year-old, Elijah Vue, is described by family and neighbors as having an infectious laugh and a goofy personality that made people smile. 

On a Tuesday morning in February, a man named Jesse Vang called and reported to 911 that a 3-year-old boy he was babysitting disappeared from his apartment.

The little boy he was babysitting is the child of a woman by the name of Katrina Baur and the little boy is Elijah Vue. The public would later learn the history between Katrina Baur, Jesse Vang and Elijah’s father, Jimmy Vue, through a wave of court documents that date back for years.

According to documents, Katrina Baur alleged in 2015 that Jesse Vang assaulted her and claimed she was “his property.” The assault allegations gave insight into the people that surrounded Elijah, including Elijah’s father, Jimmy Vue, who is currently serving time in prison for multiple unrelated charges, one of those charges being child abuse. Documents from 2016 portray Jesse Vang and Jimmy Vue as well known associates, and Katrina Baur as being part of their activities, sometimes appearing as a victim to possible trafficking.

The disturbing history that is detailed through court documents between the three individuals sets the tone for what is discovered during the search for Elijah after he was reported missing on February 20th by Jesse Vang.

Documents claim that Katrina Baur left Elijah in the care of Jesse Vang during the month of February at various times to assist Katrina with disciplining Elijah. The criminal complaint against Katrina and Jesse details very disturbing evidence and behavior by both defendants. Meanwhile, neither Katrina or Jesse have provided any information that would assist in finding Elijah.

Both Jesse and Katrina are currently held in custody and have been since February when charges were officially filed against them for chronic child neglect. The community and Elijah’s family have rallied together to raise awareness and conduct searches. The family has also asked the judge overseeing the criminal case to keep Katrina Baur in custody. 

Evidence collected against Katrina Baur and Jesse Vang detail a pattern of abuse and neglect against Katrina’s children. The abusive actions taken against Elijah include using cold water, forcing Elijah to stay in certain positions for lengthy periods of time, and restricting Elijah’s access to his mother. Investigators also claim to have uncovered photos that show the condition of Elijah shortly before his disappearance, claiming that he was bruised and blindfolded. Both Baur and Vang have entered a plea of not guilty. Jimmy Vue was incarcerated before Elijah’s disappearance.

Amid the tragic circumstances that surround the search for Elijah, the community and family remain determined to find him. They have expressed their worry, pain, and gratitude during the search and pending criminal charges against Elijah’s mother and Jesse Vang.

If you have any information that can assist in finding Elijah please use the contact information at the top of this page.

Searches:

Shoto
East Twin River
Charles & Winifred Spring West Twin River Reserve
Highway 10 near Whitelaw and Reedsville
Calumet County Landfill
Manholes 
Aerial searches
Avery Salvage Yard
Waterways searched with kayaks, sonar equipment
70 team drone search