In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the nearly seven-month search for 3-year-old Elijah Vue has come to a devastating conclusion. Two Rivers police confirmed on Friday that the human remains discovered over the weekend belong to the little boy. The news has left the community of Two Rivers and Manitowoc County in shock and disbelief.

Elijah's disappearance had united the town of Two Rivers and the larger community in a joint effort to find him. Outpourings of support and assistance flooded in from community members who didn't even know the young boy. Each month since he was reported missing in February, dedicated individuals tirelessly searched for any sign of him.

On Saturday, a deer hunter stumbled upon human skeletal remains while preparing his property near Camp Manitou for hunting season. The discovery was made just across the street from where Elijah's mother, Katrina Baur, had once lived. Two Rivers police, in a news conference on Friday, confirmed that the remains found were indeed Elijah's.

"This is not the outcome that we hoped for. The family is devastated. We're devastated. The community is devastated," expressed Police Chief Ben Meinnert, visibly affected by the emotionally tumultuous turn of events. He reflected on the positive influence Elijah had brought to the community, even though he had never personally met the young boy.

During the news conference, the police did not disclose any details regarding the circumstances surrounding Elijah's death, nor did they provide any information on the next steps in the investigation. Chief Meinnert expressed gratitude towards local churches, schools, search and rescue groups, residents, family members, and city employees for their unwavering efforts in the search for Elijah.

The focus now shifts from a search mission to a death investigation. Chief Meinnert stressed the importance of maintaining the integrity of the investigation while acknowledging the community's desire for more information. He urged anyone with additional information, especially regarding Elijah's location off Christy Bob Lane in Manitou Drive, to come forward.

Elijah Vue went missing on February 20 when Jessie Vang, the boyfriend of the boy's mother, reported him missing from their apartment in Two Rivers. Both Katrina Baur and Jessie Vang are currently in custody, facing child neglect charges related to the case.

The devastating news of Elijah's death has left an indelible mark on the town of Two Rivers, as the community mourns the loss of a young life that had brought them together in shared hope and support.