Nearly seven weeks after the disappearance of 3-year-old tot, Elijah Vue, searchers continue to scour various areas of Wisconsin, including the infamous Avery Salvage Yard in Manitowoc County.
Search volunteers began searching the salvage yard on Monday, at the location where freelance photographer Teresa Halbach’s remains were unearthed in 2005, leading to the arrest and conviction of Steven Avery and his nephew Brendan Dassey for her murder.
According to WSAU, searchers clarified that there had been no indication linking Elijah to the property, but the property is less than nine miles from where the child was last seen.
“There’s always that dark side that makes you fear the worst,” volunteer Nicole Rivera told the outlet. “I pray that he’s ok and he’s alive, and hopefully he will be found alive.”
Avery’s family reported granted searchers access to the property.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Elijah was last seen on February 20 at an apartment in the 3900 block of Mishicot Road in Two Rivers, in the care of his mother’s boyfriend, Jesse Vang.
Vang was subsequently arrested on child neglect charges. Elijah’s mother, Katrina Baur, was also arrested and charged with being a party to child neglect. Vang said Baur allowed Elijah to stay with him for several weeks, starting on February 12, for reported behavioral issues.
A criminal complaint stated that Vang reported the child missing, claiming that he brought Elijah into a bedroom with him at around 8 a.m., and ordered him to stand next to the bed and pray. Vang claimed he fell asleep and when he woke up three hours later, the child was gone.
Investigators have gathered evidence near Vang’s apartment, including a shoe matching the description of what Elijah was wearing when he disappeared.
The Two Rivers Department (TRPD) announced earlier this week that the reward fund for information that leads to Elijah has reached $40,000, following additional funds raised by the department. This also includes $15,000 from the city, $15,000 from the FBI, and $10,000 from Manitowoc County Crime Stoppers.
Elijah is described as Hmong and white, with dark blond hair and brown eyes. He stands 3 feet tall, weighs between 35 and 40 pounds, and has a birthmark on his left knee.
He was last seen wearing gray pants, a long-sleeved, dark shirt, and red and green dinosaur slip-on shoes. He may have been carrying a red and white plaid blanket.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the state tip line at 844-267-6648, Two Rivers police at 920-686-7200, or the P3 app for anonymous tips.
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[Feature Photo: Elijah Vue/Twin Rivers PD]
