TWO RIVERS, Wisc. — Two Rivers Police confirmed a red and white plaid blanket found earlier in their investigation is Elijah Vue's blanket, according to a press release sent out on Monday, March 18.
According to the Two Rivers Police Department (TRPD), the blanket was found on Goodwin Rd, east of County Road B, in Manitowoc County.
That’s where several people showed up Monday afternoon to continue the search.
“I think it’s a sign of hope to find it around here and I think he’s going be close to this area,” Dustin Wright, a lifelong Twin Rivers resident, said.
The discovery was 3.7 miles from 39th St. & Mishicot Rd., where Elijah was reported missing on Feb. 20.
“I was taken aback it was found this close into the city,” Laurie Hamblen said.
Hamblen is a volunteer search director and has been coordinating searches since Vue went missing nearly a month ago.
“I was extremely emotional when I found out. It was a moment of tears and a feeling of great hope that we’ll find more evidence, find Elijah, and bring him home to family,” Hamblen shared.
TRPD is asking for the public's assistance in checking all urban and rural areas, including water, to find Elijah and any evidence related to his disappearance.
The Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office was also out in the area Monday afternoon. They asked the public to keep their searches on public property.
A neighbor who lives near where the blanket was found shared that officials have searched the area several times.
This update though is encouraging Laurie and other volunteers to continue their efforts.
“We’re coming up with a plan on how we proceed from here. Relooking maps, designating areas as more important to cover,” Hamblen explained.
“Our numbers have been hundreds for a while and now we need to reinforce our efforts and build our numbers up again so we can get this accomplished.”
Hamblen shared that the team is planning to meet five days this week to continue searching and encouraged volunteers to join.
The confirmation comes just days after hundreds of volunteers and family members gathered for a vigil honoring Elijah on Saturday, March 16.
Contact police:
If you have any information, you can contact the tip line at 844-267-6648.
You can also use the Manitowoc Count Crime Stoppers P3 App.
Reward information:
Anyone with information leading to the discovery of Elijah may be eligible for a reward of up to $40,000.
Rewards include $10,000 from Manitowoc County Crime Stoppers for the arrest and charging of the individual responsible for his disappearance.
It also includes $15,000 for information leading to the location and return of Elijah Vue, and or the arrest or conviction of the indivdual/s involved in his disappearance, and an additional $15,000 thanks to funds raised by donations set up through the City of Two Rivers.
It’s about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for “TMJ4” on your device.
Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.
