WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. (WKOW) — The Two Rivers Police Department has confirmed that the remains discovered in Manitowoc County belong to missing toddler Elijah Vue.
Elijah, who was last seen on February 20, went missing from his home in Wisconsin Dells. Despite multiple search parties organized to locate him, he remained unaccounted for until recently.
"He was a sweet kid; very respectful. We would have adopted him." said Robert Stenner who lived in the same apartment complex as Elijah. "There wasn't anything we wouldn't do for him. We bought him diapers, we bought him food, we bought him all kinds stuff and we would do it all over again."
Authorities found Elijah's remains—consisting of his skull and bones—last Saturday in a wooded area on private property, approximately three miles northwest of where he was first reported missing. The property owner discovered the remains while preparing the land for hunting season.
This location was previously identified by police as a place of interest and had been searched multiple times. The discovery has now turned the search into an active death investigation.
"This is not the outcome that we hoped for. The family is devastated, we are devastated, the community is devastated," said Two Rivers Police Department Chief Benjamin Meinnert.
The memorial outside Elijah’s home continues to grow as the community mourns the loss. Police have not yet provided a timeline for when they might determine or release a cause of death.
"I'm upset to learn this news, but on the other hand I am happy he can finally be put to rest. He is in heaven and he is looking down smiling," added Stenner.
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