APPLETON (WLUK) — Family, friends and those searching for missing Two Rivers resident Elijah Vue gathered in Appleton on Sunday.
They hope to draw attention to the search for the little boy.
People gathered at Kiwanis Park to celebrate Vue’s birthday party. He turned four last week.
Their goal: to ensure that the memory of the missing boy remains alive, while their supporters do not give up hope that he will soon be found.
“We just have to find him, one way or another. I think Wisconsin needs closure at some point,” said Michele Ramsden of Verona, Wisconsin.
Many are coming to terms with the fact that Vue may no longer be alive.
Two Rivers police said last week they were confident their investigation would uncover the truth behind his disappearance.
“It would be foolish for us to say he’s definitely alive. Statistically, that’s probably not the case, but we’re certainly hopeful,” Two Rivers Police Captain Andrew Raatz said Tuesday, Aug. 20. “Could he still be alive? Certainly. We also have to be realistic. At this point, we’re still looking for Elijah.”
“Of course, I would be happy if Elijah were still alive and we found him safe and sound, but nothing has happened for six months,” said Tara Michels of Augusta, Wisconsin.
Others, like Elijah’s aunt, Amber Runge, prefer to believe the opposite.
“I know, I understand, I am well aware that the statistics speak absolutely and utterly against this assumption, but I think if he were no longer with us, there would have been some indication by now,” Runge said.
Runge says she often speaks with her sister Katrina Baur, Elijah’s mother.
“I don’t think she knows anything. She’s been gone for six months. If she knew anything, she would have said something by now,” Runge said.
Baur is in prison awaiting trial. He is accused of, among other things, chronic child neglect, but is not charged with the boy’s disappearance.
He was first reported missing on February 20.
Since several months have passed without Elijah, those attending his birthday celebration want to keep his name visible to the world.
“Four, but don’t forget. Let us not lose courage, keep hope and keep praying,” said Michels.
Anyone with information about Elijah is asked to call 844-267-6648.
