A mum whose child vanished earlier this week had left him with a mystery man for "disciplinary reasons", it's been revealed.
Emergency services including FBI agents and cops are still searching for three-year-old Elijah Vue who was last seen in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, US, on Tuesday. His mother Katrina Baur and Jesse Vang, who lived at the property with the family, have both been arrested on child neglect charges.
Police were pictured combing a landfill this week after a red and green dinosaur shoe, which is thought to be the child's, was discovered near his home. Most recently, Elijah's mother was seen cowering in the Manitowoc County District Jail as she appeared for a bail hearing on Friday. Both Baur, 31, and Vang, 39, appeared via camera on the same day.
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It's still unknown what the relationship is between the two, but the district attorney for the area revealed Baur left her son with Vang for "disciplinary reasons" before he disappeared. Manitowoc Attorney Jacalyn LaBre said: “She intentionally sent that child, for disciplinary reasons, for more than a week, to the residence. She was aware of the tactics used and the lack of care provided."
The legal representative also claimed Baur didn't tell the truth when questioned by investigators about her whereabouts in the time leading to her son's disappearance. On at least two occasions she provided false information about where exactly she was.
Police have been seen searching a landfill for the youngster (WISN 12 News)Baur could be seen sitting in silence while wearing an orange jumpsuit and keeping her head bowed most of the time. Her attorney argued she couldn't afford a large bail as she only received social assistance, the Sun reports.
The District Attorney believes Vang is more culpable for the disappearance as he was directly looking after the child. She added: "Mr. Vang was the individual entrusted with the care of the child during the alleged neglect. Given his direct hands-on involvement and the disciplinary methods he's accused of using, a £15,000 cash bail is necessary."
Elijah was last seen wearing grey sweatpants and a dark shirt. An image has since been released of the tot as cops appeal for any information that could help find him. It's thought he may have had a red and white blanket with him. Authorities were made aware he was missing when his babysitter rang 911 three hours after he vanished. An amber alert was then issued in the area as part of the investigation.
All that has been found which could be link to Elijah is one dinosaur shoe (Two Rivers Police Department)Elijah's uncle Orson Vue said: "We’re extremely worried, we’re all emotional at this point, at the moment. And we don’t want to think of the bad stuff that may have possibly happened to him and we’re hopeful.”
A statement from the cops said: "We are exploring all possibilities to locate Elijah. You may have seen officers searching areas such as local rivers and landfills, and that is correct. We will leave no stone unturned. You will continue to see similar large-scale searches as we receive tips and continue our search for Elijah.”
Baur appeared via video link on Friday for a bail hearing (WISN 12 News)Ben Meinnert said parks and woodlands were combed and hundreds of volunteers have taken part in the search. He added: “Every piece of information could be key to bringing Elijah home."
Locals have been urged to check their surveillance cameras from February 12 – 20 as cops continue to appeal for clues. Elijah has dark brown hair, brown eyes, and a birthmark on his left knee.
Vang and Baur are both scheduled to next appear in court on Monday. Anyone who may have information to help the case is urged to contact the Two Rivers Police Department's tip line on 1-844-267-6648. You can also call the Two Rivers Police Dispatch at 1-920-686-7200.
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