TWO RIVERS, WI  – (WGBW/WISS) –  As the search for missing 3-year-old Elijah Vue enters its third week, the reward for information has increased to a combined total of $25,000.

Manitowoc County Crime Stoppers has increased their reward from $1,000 to up to $10,000. The FBI is also offering a $15,000 reward. Anyone providing information that leads to finding Vue or the arrest and charging of the persons responsible for his disappearance is eligible.

In the meantime, Police continue to ask for the public’s help in collecting video footage of a vehicle of interest in the case. 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. The time period they are looking for footage during is from February 19th from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

“To clarify, law enforcement is currently in possession of the identified vehicle,” Menniert said in a release. “Jesse Vang and Katrina Baur are not owners of the vehicle.  Our interest is not with the current owner of the vehicle, only in the camera footage captured on February 19, 2024, between the hours of 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM.” 

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 tipline number is (844) 267-6648.

Elijah’s mother, Katrina Baur, is being held on a charge of child neglect and two charges of obstruction. Jesse Vang, who prosecutors say Elijah was staying with for “disciplinary reasons” is also being held on a charge of child neglect. Both have preliminary hearings scheduled in Manitowoc County Court on Thursday, March 7th.

Release from Two Rivers Police

Here is Tuesday’s release in its entirety:

Release Date: March 5, 2024, 1:00 PM

Elijah Vue has not been found.

Law enforcement from all over the state, in addition to FBI, DCI, and DNR, assisted in searching rural areas in Manitowoc County this morning, and will continue to do so into the afternoon.  

Yesterday we requested the public’s assistance by reviewing their surveillance camera footage regarding a vehicle of interest. That vehicle is a 1997 four-door Nissan Altima, beige in color, bearing Wisconsin registration beginning with “A” and ending with “0”. 

To clarify, law enforcement is currently in possession of the identified vehicle. Jesse Vang and Katrina Baur are not owners of the vehicle.  Our interest is not with the current owner of the vehicle, only in the camera footage captured on February 19, 2024, between the hours of 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM.  Please contact our tip line at 844-267-6648 with any tips or leads, or if you experience technical difficulties or do not have access to upload your video/s regarding the vehicle of interest. 

Please use the following link to complete a short informational form and upload video: https://widoj.sharefile.com/remote/801a6dd5-12f7-4d63-95da-4d7db3ec2b85?fbclid=IwAR0XN3R-SJ1dYsrRqtAo_f-LSCQfualenR3xvns7ZYEndoqqsrlGWiqyohg

You may also submit information via the Manitowoc County Crime Stoppers P3 App.  Those with information leading to the discovery of Elijah or the arrest and charging of the individual/s responsible for his disappearance may now be eligible for a reward up to $10,000 from Manitowoc County Crime Stoppers. The FBI is also offering a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to the location and return of Elijah Vue and/or the arrest and conviction of the individual/s involved in his disappearance.  Crime Stoppers has provided additional information regarding the reward, and we have included it with this release.

Ben Meinnert

Chief of Police