In a tragic discovery, skeletal remains found by a deer hunter in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, have been confirmed to be those of Elijah Vue, a preschool-age boy who had been missing since February. The announcement was made by Two Rivers Police Chief Ben Meinnert during a somber news conference on Friday afternoon.

Last Saturday, a report was received by Manitowoc County Sheriff Daniel Hartwig regarding skeletal remains found in Two Rivers. The remains were located on private property as the land was being prepared for the upcoming deer hunting season. The wooded area where the remains were found was situated just north of Girl Scout Camp Manitou, approximately three miles northwest of where Elijah was initially reported missing.

Following the discovery, the skull and bones were immediately taken to the Wisconsin Crime Lab for DNA testing. Once the remains were positively identified as Elijah's, his devastated family was notified.

"This is not the outcome that we hoped for," expressed Chief Meinnert. "The family is devastated. We're devastated. Our community's devastated."

Elijah Vue went missing on February 20 at the age of 3. His blanket had been found in March, about 3.7 miles away from where he was last seen. Despite extensive searches conducted by law enforcement, private teams, and various search and rescue operations, no leads had been found until now.

In connection to Elijah's disappearance, his mother, Katrina Baur, and another man named Jesse Vang were arrested and charged with child neglect on February 21. It was reported that Baur had handed Elijah over to Vang for "discipline." The Vue family expressed that they were unfamiliar with Vang and his connection to Baur, who local authorities later revealed to be her boyfriend. Vang, residing in an apartment where Elijah disappeared from, was the one who reported the child missing.

Both Baur and Vang maintain their innocence, stating they had no involvement in Elijah's disappearance. However, their arrests have shed light on the circumstances surrounding the case.

Despite the heart-wrenching turn of events, the community came together a few weeks ago to hold a fourth birthday party for Elijah at Kiwanis Park in Appleton, Wisconsin, expressing hope that he would one day be found. Now, with the devastating confirmation of Elijah's remains, the community mourns the loss of a young life and stands in solidarity with his grieving family.