Additional charges filed against the mother of missing Elijah Vue

MANITOWOC, WI – (WISS/WGBW) – Court records show that Katrina Baur faces a new charge of Chronic Neglect of a Child in addition to the child neglect and obstruction charges.  

Preliminary hearings for the mother of missing 3-year-old Elijah Vue and her boyfriend have been adjourned to March 14th due to additional findings. Both appeared in Manitowoc County Court Thursday morning.

Bail reduction for Vue’s mother denied

Baur’s attorney Ann Larson requested a bail reduction saying that Baur is not a flight risk nor a danger to the community and will appear in court. She acknowledged that the case is a high-profile case. “There is a lot of high emotion going on,” said Larson. “But there is also high emotion going on with Ms. Baur. She’s been worried sick not knowing where her son is.”

Manitowoc County District Attorney Jacalyn LaBre noted the additional charge during the court appearance on Thursday and said due to the seriousness of the charges that the cash bond is warranted.

“I don’t think a signature bond at all is appropriate, based on the totality of the facts, the new charges, and her past record,” said LaBre.

LaBre read a statement from Baur’s mother that also asked that bail not be reduced.     

Judge Robert Dewane denied the reduction of bail, citing the additional charges

Judge bans expressive t-shirts and other apparel from the courtroom

Community members attending any of the court proceedings in the case of missing 3-year-old Elijah Vue are warned they will be asked to leave if seen wearing apparel with the child’s face or expressions such as “Missing” or pleas for his return. 

Manitowoc County Judge Robert Dewane issued the order in court proceedings Thursday after several community members were seen wearing blue t-shirts with the child’s face. Dewane said he has no problem if people cover them with a jacket, but that he doesn’t want them to be shown in the courtroom.

“I typically don’t allow people to wear shirts for missing people or alleged victims in the courtroom,” said Dewane. “I’ll let you know going forward. You show up wearing the shirt; you’ll be shown the door. It’s not for any reason other than trying to maintain the temperature in the courtroom here, and not have people get too excited.”  

A public defender has not yet been appointed for Vang

According to Jesse Vang’s court records, the Public Defender’s Office has not found an attorney to represent him at this time.

Vang is being held on a $20,000 bond, and Baur is being held on a $15,000 bond. Both are due back in court on March 14th at 11 am.

Police ask for the public’s help in tracking the whereabouts of a vehicle of interest 

Two Rivers Police have not issued any updates in the case since Tuesday, March 5th when they asked for the public’s help in collecting video footage of a vehicle of interest in the case of missing Elijah Vue. 

Two Rivers Police Chief Ben Menniert says police have the vehicle, which is a beige 1997 four-door Nissan Altima with a Wisconsin plate that starts with A and ends with 0. Menniert says what they need from the public is video from surveillance cameras that may show the car.

“We are requesting homeowners and businesses to review their surveillance camera footage captured on February 19, 2024, between the hours of 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM, said Meinnert in a statement. “Due to the duration of the hours requested to be reviewed, we are asking the public beyond the greater Two Rivers area and adjacent counties to review their videos as well.”  

In the meantime, Meinnert says searches will continue with large-scale operations as they expand the rural search efforts. 

Police continue to plead with the public for information that will help them find 3-year-old Elijah who was reported missing on February 20, 2024. The reward for information leading to the discovery of Elijah or the arrest and charging of the persons responsible is a combined $25,000. The Manitowoc County Crime Stoppers offers a reward of up to $10,000, and the FBI offers a reward of $15,000.

The tipline number is (844) 267-6648.