ID MICHAEL VAUGHAN: Missing from Fruitland, ID - 27 July 2021 - Age 5

Search continues for missing and endangered 5-year-old in Fruitland, Idaho

Michael Vaughan was last seen near SW 9th Street and S. Arizona Ave. in Fruitland on Tuesday evening. Crews and neighbors were out all day looking for the boy.

www.ktvb.com

Search continues for missing and endangered 5-year-old in Fruitland, Idaho​

Michael Vaughn was last seen near SW 9th Street and S. Arizona Ave. in Fruitland on Tuesday evening. Crews and neighbors were out all day looking for the boy.

The search for a missing 5-year-old-year-old boy intensified Wednesday as it entered its second day.

Michael Vaughn was last seen near SW 9th Street and S. Arizona Avenue in Fruitland around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The Fruitland Police Department said Michael is considered missing and endangered.

Michael is about three feet, seven-inches tall and weighs 50 pounds. He has blonde hair and blue eyes. He answers to the nickname "Monkey."

Michael was wearing a light blue shirt with a Minecraft picture on it, dark blue boxer briefs and sandals.

Idaho Mountain Rescue brought in highly-trained and rescue personnel to assist in the search.

Crews from multiple agencies searched the area near Michael's home by ground and air by drone and helicopter. They also went door to door, talking with neighbors.

Right next to the boy's home is a field where crews spent much of the day searching for him.

Neighbors say they learned about his disappearance about an hour after he was reported missing. They say Michael is a happy kid who lives with his parents and grandfather.

Cynthia Walker was walking her dog as the search was happening.

"At five years old, I don't know that he would wander too far without one us seeing him by now," she said. "There are volunteers, many, many volunteers out searching, scanning the fields and we just want to have Michael back, we just want him home safe."





MEDIA - MICHAEL VAUGHN: Missing from Fruitland, ID since 27 July 2021 - Age 5

 

[Mel70]

I don't understand this at all. But if the mother's still confident. There has to be more. I hope so.

 

[Summer_Breeze]

Judge OKs pushing out federal jury trial for Sarah Wondra

PAYETTE — A federal court has granted Sarah Wondra a motion to continue her trial related to a federal firearm charge, for which she also is facing local charges. As

www.argusobserver.com

• Argus Observer
• May 30, 2023 Updated May 31, 2023

PAYETTE — A federal court has granted Sarah Wondra a motion to continue her trial related to a federal firearm charge, for which she also is facing local charges. As such, a federal trial slated to begin May 30 is now planned for Oct. 16.

The request to continue the federal trial was the fifth one entered in that case, according to court records. The counsel requested 120-day continuance for more time to investigate as well as for “state court matters to be resolved.” A pretrial readiness conference is slated for Oct. 5, according to an order dated May 17 by U.S. District Court Judge B. Lynn Winmill.

 

[Summer_Breeze]

Sentencing set for Stacey Wondra's federal gun case

FRUITLAND — Stacey Wondra, of Fruitland, will be sentenced for a federal charge for unlawful possession of a firearm this year, per a plea agreement entered Tuesday.

www.argusobserver.com

• Argus Observer
• May 11, 2023 Updated May 30, 2023

FRUITLAND — Stacey Wondra, of Fruitland, will be sentenced for a federal charge for unlawful possession of a firearm this year, per a plea agreement entered Tuesday.
According to court records, Wondra waived his right that day to proceed before a U.S. district judge, agreeing to proceed before a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the purpose of taking his plea.

With the change of plea, Wondra pleaded guilty to count one on the indictment. As such, his sentencing has been set for Aug. 15 at 3 p.m. in front of Judge David C. Nye.

<snip>

His charge could bring up to 10 years in prison and or a $350,000 fine and three years supervised release.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Judge OKs pushing out federal jury trial for Sarah Wondra

PAYETTE — A federal court has granted Sarah Wondra a motion to continue her trial related to a federal firearm charge, for which she also is facing local charges. As

www.argusobserver.com

• Argus Observer
• May 30, 2023 Updated May 31, 2023

PAYETTE — A federal court has granted Sarah Wondra a motion to continue her trial related to a federal firearm charge, for which she also is facing local charges. As such, a federal trial slated to begin May 30 is now planned for Oct. 16.

The request to continue the federal trial was the fifth one entered in that case, according to court records. The counsel requested 120-day continuance for more time to investigate as well as for “state court matters to be resolved.” A pretrial readiness conference is slated for Oct. 5, according to an order dated May 17 by U.S. District Court Judge B. Lynn Winmill.

The FIFTH one for CONTINUANCE. May to OCTOBER now. Those darned wonderful rapid wheels of justice. In our dreams maybe.

 

[Mel70]

Sentencing set for Stacey Wondra's federal gun case

FRUITLAND — Stacey Wondra, of Fruitland, will be sentenced for a federal charge for unlawful possession of a firearm this year, per a plea agreement entered Tuesday.

www.argusobserver.com

• Argus Observer
• May 11, 2023 Updated May 30, 2023

FRUITLAND — Stacey Wondra, of Fruitland, will be sentenced for a federal charge for unlawful possession of a firearm this year, per a plea agreement entered Tuesday.
According to court records, Wondra waived his right that day to proceed before a U.S. district judge, agreeing to proceed before a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the purpose of taking his plea.

With the change of plea, Wondra pleaded guilty to count one on the indictment. As such, his sentencing has been set for Aug. 15 at 3 p.m. in front of Judge David C. Nye.

<snip>

His charge could bring up to 10 years in prison and or a $350,000 fine and three years supervised release.

I think a bee stung his face.

 

[GrandmaBear]

I think a bee stung his face.

More like a swarm of them....

Pretty fat faced ugly evil mug.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Missing child's 7th birthday is June 24

FRUITLAND — Saturday is Michael ‘Monkey’ Vaughan's 7th birthday. His parents, Tyler Vaughan and Brandi Neal, won't be hosting any public events this year, due to negative backlash following last

www.argusobserver.com

Missing child's 7th birthday is June 24​

Saturday is Michael ‘Monkey’ Vaughan's 7th birthday. His parents, Tyler Vaughan and Brandi Neal, won't be hosting any public events this year, due to negative backlash following last year's event. Rather, they will be celebrating Michael during a private gathering with family.

A spokesperson for the family did not return the Argus Observer's requests for an interview his parents and see how they are holding up as the milestone approaches.

In mid-April, Fruitland Police Chief JD Huff said he was hoping to turn the case over to the prosecutor in the near future. A request for an update on how the investigation is going and whether he is nearer to handing the case over has not been returned.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Remembering Monkey: Family gathers for Michael Vaughan's birthday amidst ongoing investigation

June 24th marks Michael Vaughan's 7th birthday. The Argus Observer reports that friends and family will gather for a private event to remember the sweet little

idahonews.com

Remembering Monkey: Family gathers for Michael Vaughan's birthday amidst ongoing investigation
June 24th marks Michael Vaughan's 7th birthday. The Argus Observer reports that friends and family will gather for a private event to remember the sweet little boy they affectionately called "Monkey" who disappeared from his home in Fruitland nearly two years ago on July 21, 2021.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Thursday marks two years since Michael Vaughan's disappearance

thursday will mark 2 years since the disappearance of 5-year-old michael vaughan in fruitland.michael vanished back on july 27th of 20-21.then in december of la

idahonews.com

Thursday marks two years since Michael Vaughan's disappearance
Thursday will mark two years since the disappearance of 5-year-old Michael Vaughan in Fruitland. Michael vanished back on July 27 of 2021.

In December of 2022, police named four people they believe to know about his disappearance, but Michael's fate remains a mystery, although police believe he is dead.

One arrest was made. Sarah Wondra of Fruitland was charged with failure to report a death after her backyard was dug up and her house searched. The charge against her was dropped without prejudice, meaning charges could be refiled later.

Officers believe Michael was buried at her house, but his body was moved to another, as yet unknown, location.

CBS2 is expecting a brief update from the Fruitland Police Department on Thursday.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Fruitland Police Chief says case of missing boy ‘forwarded to prosecutor’

FRUITLAND — Two years ago Thursday, Fruitland citizens and neighbors joined teams of first responder agencies in an extensive search for a missing 5-year-old boy. This included going through cornfields

www.argusobserver.com

Fruitland Police Chief says case of missing boy ‘forwarded to prosecutor’​

Two years ago Thursday, Fruitland citizens and neighbors joined teams of first responder agencies in an extensive search for a missing 5-year-old boy. This included going through cornfields “row by row, inch by inch,” as well as searching through neighborhoods and bodies of water.


This month, we reached out to Huff to get comment from him for this article, acknowledging the nearing of the two-year mark since Michael’s disappearance.
Huff declined an interview, stating he will only inform members of the public about the case through Facebook.

“I plan on putting a very brief Facebook update on Thursday. This case has been forwarded to the Prosecutor. I am not going participate in interviews as instructed by the Prosecutor,” Huff said in an email on Monday. “It’s always a challenge. Trying to keep the community informed, while maintaining the integrity of our case. I will always choose the latter, as justice for Michael and his family is my top priority.”

Huff instructed the Argus Observer to “look for that update on Thursday,” declining to send any information directly to the publication. The Argus will be watching for the update and providing information to the public as soon as possible, though it is unknown what time the chief's update is expected to happen.

It is also unknown when Huff forwarded the case to the prosecutor. The Argus Observer has repeatedly requested comment from Payette County Prosecutor Mike Duke over the case, including whether new charges are pending or will be filed. Duke has not returned the newspaper's multiple requests for comment since April.

A check of online records in Idaho and federal courts on Wednesday morning show no new charges for any of the aforementioned suspects.

 

[GrandmaBear]

So investigators brought the case they could to the prosecutor's office and the prosecutor's office isn't charging... So far.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Thursday Marks Two Years Since Michael Vaughn Disappeared - Elkhorn Media Group

FRUITLAND, ID — Thursday marks two years since the disappearance of 5-year-old Michael Vaughan in Fruitland. Michael ...Read More

elkhornmediagroup.com

Thursday Marks Two Years Since Michael Vaughn Disappeared​

Thursday marks two years since the disappearance of 5-year-old Michael Vaughan in Fruitland. Michael vanished back on July 27 of 2021 and ever since multiple law enforcement agencies have been searching for answers.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Investigation continues two years after Michael Vaughan went missing in Fruitland

Today marks the two-year anniversary since Michael Vaughan, now seven-years-old, from Fruitland went missing. The last time Michael, also known as "Monkey," was seen was on July 27, 2021.

www.kivitv.com

Investigation continues two years after Michael Vaughan went missing in Fruitland​

Michael Vaughan, who would now be seven years old, has now been missing for two years. The last time Michael, also known as "Monkey" was seen was on July 27, 2021 at his Fruitland home. Police believe Vaughn disappeared between 6:40 pm and 7:00 pm that Tuesday evening.

Investigators continue working on the case, performing ground searches as recently as this month. In a new post from the Fruitland Police Department, they say the investigation "is moving into a new phase as investigators have submitted this case along with a probable cause affidavit to the Payette County Prosecutor."

'It will all come to light': 2 years after Michael Vaughan's disappearance, Fruitland Police submit case to prosecutor

July 27 marks two years since Michael was last seen. His mother believes "it will all come to light."

www.ktvb.com

'It will all come to light': 2 years after Michael Vaughan's disappearance, Fruitland Police submit case to prosecutor​

Two years have passed since 5-year-old Michael Vaughan went missing from his neighborhood in Fruitland.

His mother, Brandi Neal, has to work on the mark of his disappearance. But that doesn't mean she has lost focus of her blonde haired, blue-eyed son, who is nicknamed "Monkey." Michael was last seen near Southwest 9th Street, on July 27, 2021, wearing a blue Minecraft t-shirt, dark blue briefs and blue flip-flops. Neal has worn her feet to the bone scouring every inch of the rural town looking for her son, she said.

Even though it's been two years, Neal still has faith this case will come to fruition.

"It will all come to light," she told KTVB reporter Alexandra Duggan in a phone call. "It's coming."

Fruitland Police Department (FPD) said on Thursday via Facebook they have submitted a case to the Payette County Prosecutor, along with a probable cause affidavit. In this case, a prosecutor would review the probable cause affidavit and decide whether or not to take the case before a judge. If there is enough evidence, a judge can issue an arrest warrant.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

City of Fruitland Police | Coeur d'Alene ID

City of Fruitland Police, Fruitland. 7,591 likes · 12 talking about this · 25 were here. Welcome to the Fruitland Police Department.

www.facebook.com

07-27-2023
Update: The Search for Michael Joseph Vaughan.
The search continues for Michael Joseph Vaughan, now age 7. On the second anniversary of Michael’s abduction the case remains very active. Our work has not stopped. Our ground searches have continued as recent as this month and we continue the arduous task of filtering through new tips and leads. This investigation is moving into a new phase as investigators have submitted this case along with a probable cause affidavit to the Payette County Prosecutor. As a result, any inquiries regarding this case will be referred to the Payette County Prosecutor’s Office. 208-642-6096.
The community support has been remarkable along with the unwavering patience with our team. We are committed and our tenacity steadfast.
To date, the Fruitland Police Department has received over 2000 tips and leads. If someone has or learns of information that can help find Michael, we want that information.
We continue to ask that you remain vigilant and please share the poster linked at:
https://www.fruitland.org/.../VAUGHAN_MICHAEL_JOSEPH....
Tips can be sent to findmichael@fruitland.org or to Crime Stoppers, 343COPS.com. Tips may remain anonymous.
Please keep Michael in your prayers.
This Facebook page is the only source for credible first-hand information in this case. Please continue to follow this page for more updates as they’re available.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

https://www.idahostatesman.com/news/local/crime/article280228779.html

Idaho woman once arrested in case of missing boy will be in prison on different charges
An Idaho woman arrested last year when she was accused of being involved in the case of Michael Vaughan, a Fruitland boy who went missing over two years ago, will spend at least three years in prison on crimes stemming from a separate incident.

Sarah Wondra, 35, of Fruitland, pleaded guilty in August to two felonies: aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and destruction, alteration or concealment of evidence. A charge of possession of a controlled substance was dismissed as part of a plea deal, according to online court records.

She was sentenced Friday in Payette County by District Judge Kiley Stuchlik to three years fixed in prison, followed by two years indeterminate, meaning she could be eligible for parole after serving three years.

 

[GrandmaBear]

https://www.idahostatesman.com/news/local/crime/article280228779.html

Idaho woman once arrested in case of missing boy will be in prison on different charges
An Idaho woman arrested last year when she was accused of being involved in the case of Michael Vaughan, a Fruitland boy who went missing over two years ago, will spend at least three years in prison on crimes stemming from a separate incident.

Sarah Wondra, 35, of Fruitland, pleaded guilty in August to two felonies: aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and destruction, alteration or concealment of evidence. A charge of possession of a controlled substance was dismissed as part of a plea deal, according to online court records.

She was sentenced Friday in Payette County by District Judge Kiley Stuchlik to three years fixed in prison, followed by two years indeterminate, meaning she could be eligible for parole after serving three years.

Small comfort, small potatoes but at least the judge "fixed" the short sentence. I take this to mean what is rare these days, that she can't get out early for any reason whatsoever. He77 wasn't even sure they could still do that as all we see is otherwise.

Suzanne Morphew's body showed up which I will be the first to admit I wasn't thinking likely would ever happen, and Michael's very well may one day too. One never knows.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Prosecutor on investigation over missing boy: ‘I expect to charge it’

PAYETTE COUNTY — The public may soon know a portion of the outcome of a law enforcement investigation related to missing Fruitland boy Michael ‘Monkey’ Vaughan, as the prosecutor does

www.argusobserver.com

Prosecutor on investigation over missing boy: ‘I expect to charge it’​

The public may soon know a portion of the outcome of a law enforcement investigation related to missing Fruitland boy Michael ‘Monkey’ Vaughan, as the prosecutor does expect to file charges, but has not stated what those might be.

“I expect to charge it, but there are a lot of complexities and I am being careful with that,” Payette County Prosecutor Mike Duke told the Argus Observer during a phone call at the end of September.

In the last couple of days, supporters of Michael’s family have begun to echo what Duke said. This includes an update from administrators on a Facebook page previously dedicated to information regarding Michael, who was last seen in his neighborhood on July 27, 2021 when he was 5 years old.

“The recommended charges and reports have gone to the prosecutor and they are waiting for the grand jury,” it reads. “It appears charges are forthcoming in the near future. As for Sarah Wondra she was sentenced on unrelated charges and will be remaining in custody at this time. It is unknown as to whether she is included in the grand jury file.”

On Monday afternoon, an official at the Payette County Courthouse said that there currently are no grand jury hearings on the court calendar. Those hearings are set at the request of the prosecutor, with court officials setting the hearings on the calendar in conjunction with the judge’s calendar.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Stacey, Sarah Wondra sentenced for crimes separate from Michael Vaughan case

Sarah Wondra will serve between three to seven years in prison, while Stacey was sentenced to a total of 21 months behind bars.

www.ktvb.com

Stacey, Sarah Wondra sentenced for crimes separate from Michael Vaughan case​

KTVB learned new information on the woman originally charged in connection with the disappearance of Michael Vaughan. Sarah Wondra was sentenced to prison on October 6 and will serve between three and seven years in prison on two state charges that are unrelated to Vaughan's case.

Court records show Wondra pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and destruction, alteration or concealment of evidence. These crimes occurred in April of 2022. Wondra also faced a federal gun charge but that was dropped on Thursday because she was prosecuted for the state charges.

She remains in the Payette County Jail awaiting transfer to the Idaho Department of Correction.

As mentioned, authorities said these charges are not related to the Vaughan case.

Wondra's husband Stacey was just sentenced to federal prison on Wednesday Nov. 1 after pleading guilty to a federal charge of "unlawful possession of a firearm." He will serve another four months on top of the 17 months he has already spent in custody. He will serve out that time in the Ada County Jail under the U.S. Marshals Service custody.

These charges are also unrelated to the Vaughan case.


Regarding Michael's disappearance, Fruitland PD announced in July of this year they submitted a case to the Payette County Prosecutor, along with a probable cause affidavit.

In a phone call on Friday, Fruitland PD Chief JD Huff told investigative reporter Morgan Romero that the case submitted to the prosecutor's office does involve the Wondras, as well as two other individuals police named in December 2022 who they believe have firsthand knowledge about the abduction of Michael: Brandon Shurtliff and Adrien Lucienne.

Calls and emails to the prosecutor's office Friday were not returned.

Huff said Friday their investigation into Michael's disappearance is ongoing and they are still actively working leads.

 

[Kimster]

I’m not very familiar with this case, but I’ve been reading some posts about it. Do we know the motive why these people allegedly kidnapped Michael?

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

I’m not very familiar with this case, but I’ve been reading some posts about it. Do we know the motive why these people allegedly kidnapped Michael?

It was an immensely small time frame. It would have to be a crime of opportunity. Or Michael saw some illegal activity and they thought they had to silence him.
No official motive has been released.