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

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Idaho Town Is Upended in Search for Missing Boy: ‘We Are All In’ (Published 2021)

Michael Joseph Vaughan, 5, whose family calls him Monkey, was last seen on July 27 near his home in Fruitland, Idaho, according to the boy’s family. The police say they have no leads.

www.nytimes.com

Idaho Town Is Upended in Search for Missing Boy: ‘We Are All In’​

For 10 days, the quiet bedroom community of Fruitland, Idaho, has been overrun by drones, canine units and hordes of on-foot volunteers, all scouring the city in a desperate effort to find a 5-year-old boy whose family calls him Monkey.

Fruitland’s 12 police officers, aided by more than a dozen local agencies, the F.B.I. and the state and county police, have searched over 3,000 acres of land, 200 residences and businesses, 200 trash cans, a septic tank and 29 miles of the Snake River bank bordering Idaho and Oregon looking for any sign of the missing child, Michael Joseph Vaughan.

Mayor Brian Howell said residents had “never seen anything like this” in Fruitland.

“It’s a pretty incredible little town,” Mr. Howell said. “Everyone is looking for him.” He personally joined some search efforts in the fields near Michael’s home in Fruitland, a city of 5,400 residents about 50 miles northwest of Boise. The town, though not agricultural itself, is surrounded by farmland, part of largely rural Payette County.

But over 2,500 hours of searching have yielded very few, if any, developments.

Investigators have been “working just as hard right now as they did when he was first missing,” Mr. Howell said. “They’re literally leaving no stone unturned. They’re draining canals, they’re checking homes. They’re doing everything that they can do.”

According to local reports, the town is refusing to slow down search efforts. Residents have come together not only to look, but also to provide resources, Mr. Howell said. Restaurants have donated food to search parties and the authorities, and some owners have closed for a few hours in the day to walk the fields around the town. Some residents have conducted their own investigations, against police wishes.

Jennifer Hanna, a nanny for Michael’s family, has reportedly been leading prayer circles for the boy’s safe return.

“We gotta find that kid,” Ms. Hanna told Idaho News, a local CBS affiliate. “We got to.”

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

This case is SOOOO. QUIET.
It's only been 10 days. This boy's face should be in the media each and every day. And it's not.

I did find it interesting that, when asked during the last press conference about what they are doing *outside* of Fruitland, it was pretty much just "we've got some posters out there". This search and investigation has stayed VERY close to home. I keep hoping they've got their eyes on someone and are just waiting to make a move.

 

[Miccistella]

This case is SOOOO. QUIET.
It's only been 10 days. This boy's face should be in the media each and every day. And it's not.

I did find it interesting that, when asked during the last press conference about what they are doing *outside* of Fruitland, it was pretty much just "we've got some posters out there". This search and investigation has stayed VERY close to home. I keep hoping they've got their eyes on someone and are just waiting to make a move.

I wonder if there is more going on behind the scenes..... what I find interesting is that literally no one is cleared ... also I am trying to read the parents emotions or the lack there of wile the last press release...

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

I wonder if there is more going on behind the scenes..... what I find interesting is that literally no one is cleared ... also I am trying to read the parents emotions or the lack there of wile the last press release...

I’m really not suspicious of the parents at all right now. To me, they looked like grieving parents trying to hold it together. Someone in the neighborhood for sure, but not his parents.
I believe it’s 2-3 separate neighbors said they saw him outside in the neighborhood immediately prior to disappearing.

 

[Miccistella]

I’m really not suspicious of the parents at all right now. To me, they looked like grieving parents trying to hold it together. Someone in the neighborhood for sure, but not his parents.
I believe it’s 2-3 separate neighbors said they saw him outside in the neighborhood immediately prior to disappearing.

as far as I know only one... Allegedly the neighbor he went to.....

for right now, if I would have to look at someone close to Michael it would be the babysitter and dad where I have red flags and questions..... WHY..?

the babysitters actions and the fact that ALL the dogs were not able to pick up a scent.... one of the dogs at least should have picked up the part where Monkey allegedly went to the neighbor....

though I don't rule out that he was snatched out of the yard,.....

what I find interesting is that LE did not clear anyone close to Michael...
I would have expected a different reaction from the parents, specially while the press conference ... than again whatever reaction is showed doesn't prove guilt or innocence....

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Part of the problem is that literally nothing has been confirmed directly by LE about the circumstances in this case.
He was seen near his home between 6:30 - 7:15 pm on July 27, 2021.
That's it.
EVERYTHING else is second hand from Facebook comments, etc.

 

[Miccistella]

Part of the problem is that literally nothing has been confirmed directly by LE about the circumstances in this case.
He was seen near his home between 6:30 - 7:15 pm on July 27, 2021.
That's it.
EVERYTHING else is second hand from Facebook comments, etc.

unfortunately very true.....

 

[FightingCrime247]

Been looking for an updates for Michael but there is nothing to report it seems. I just don't know what to think about this one it's looking more and more like an abduction but surely in a neighborhood someone would have seen or heard something. Far too many kids going missing without a trace so sad.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Tuesday marks two weeks since 5-year-old Fruitland boy went missing

Tuesday marks two weeks since a 5-year-old boy disappeared in Fruitland. Michael Vaughan was last seen July 27 near SW 9th Street in Fruitland. Since his disappearance, police and the FBI have been reviewing surveillance video from homes, they've emptied canals and searched garage cans. The...

idahonews.com

Tuesday marks two weeks since 5-year-old Fruitland boy went missing
Tuesday marks two weeks since a 5-year-old boy disappeared in Fruitland.

Michael Vaughan was last seen July 27 near SW 9th Street in Fruitland. Since his disappearance, police and the FBI have been reviewing surveillance video from homes, they've emptied canals and searched garage cans.

The community has come together and has business owners have put up his pictures. Last week, motorcycle riders came together to show support for the family.

 

[RoundPeg]

as far as I know only one... Allegedly the neighbor he went to.....

for right now, if I would have to look at someone close to Michael it would be the babysitter and dad where I have red flags and questions..... WHY..?

the babysitters actions and the fact that ALL the dogs were not able to pick up a scent.... one of the dogs at least should have picked up the part where Monkey allegedly went to the neighbor....

though I don't rule out that he was snatched out of the yard,.....

what I find interesting is that LE did not clear anyone close to Michael...
I would have expected a different reaction from the parents, specially while the press conference ... than again whatever reaction is showed doesn't prove guilt or innocence....

What are the babysitter's actions? I haven't been following closely.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

What are the babysitter's actions? I haven't been following closely.

People on Facebook seem to think she's acting "shady". She was answering a lot of questions early on but was getting torn apart for it.
She posted to try to clear up the timeline about what neighbors saw him. People say she's been "caught in lies" but I haven't seen it. It's mostly...as they found out more information by talking to more neighbors, the timeline grew. Not changed.
She tried to start a fundraising page for the family. She posted saying that the money was for all of the searchers, dogs, drones, etc. so that the family wouldn't have to worry about paying for it. Well obviously they wouldn't have to pay for it...so people thought she was scamming. She later posted that almost 20 years ago she was charged for a search dog and didn't realize things had changed.
She's basically stopped posting because people are crazy. I think she even left the group.
She's been leading a prayer group in Fruitland literally every night... (or she was) And she was not there when he disappeared.

Again, this is all Facebook rumor. Nothing directly from LE.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Community rallies for missing 5-year-old boy and his family

FRUITLAND — It’s been two weeks since a 5-year-old went missing in Fruitland and people throughout the Western Treasure Valley are stepping up in huge ways to offer support —

www.argusobserver.com

Community rallies for missing 5-year-old boy and his family​

It’s been two weeks since a 5-year-old went missing in Fruitland and people throughout the Western Treasure Valley are stepping up in huge ways to offer support — both emotional and financial — for the family.

This includes people who have set up prayer circles, motorcycle rides and fundraisers and who have replaced their porch lights with blue ones in hopes of helping Michael find his way home.


There currently is no new information to report from authorities. An official at Crime Stoppers did confirm that among the numerous tips they receive per day, some recently had come in about Michael, which were forwarded to Fruitland Police Department.

Fruitland Police Chief JD Huff, in an email reply regarding whether any updates were available, told the newspaper on Monday morning, “I will be posting updates to our Facebook page shortly and then throughout the week.” This would include any information about any significant developments in the case, he said.

As of press time at 9:45 a.m. this morning, updated information had not yet been posted on the police department’s page.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Fruitland Police: Ground, water searches continue for 5-year-old Michael Vaughan

Fruitland Police is not giving up hope for Michael Vaughan, the little boy who's been missing for two weeks. On Tuesday, officers gave the community an update on the search for 5-year-old Michael. Law enforcement are continuing their ground, air and water searches this week. "There are many...

idahonews.com

Fruitland Police: Ground, water searches continue for 5-year-old Michael Vaughan
Fruitland Police is not giving up hope for Michael Vaughan, the little boy who's been missing for two weeks.

On Tuesday, officers gave the community an update on the search for 5-year-old Michael. Law enforcement are continuing their ground, air and water searches this week.

"There are many miles of waterways in the Fruitland area and searching them is a momentous task," Fruitland PD said. "Residents may see search crews along the banks of canals and rivers this week and at any given time as we work to leave no stone unturned in our search for Michael."

Drones are also being used in the search. Tips continue to come in for Michael, officers say, who was last seen wearing a light blue Minecraft t-shirt, dark blue boxer briefs and blue flip flops.

"Michael, by all accounts, was an active, inquisitive, child," police wrote. "While we have not eliminated any possibility, it is possible he may have wandered somewhere and he needs our help to find him. We continue to ask local residents and businesses to (remain) vigilant and observant."

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Fruitland Police Department turn to social media for missing boy updates

FRUITLAND — Fruitland City Police provided an update to the community on its Facebook page on Monday afternoon regarding a missing 5-year-old boy from Fruitland. Michael “Monkey” Joseph Vaughan went

www.argusobserver.com

Fruitland Police Department turn to social media for missing boy updates​

Fruitland Police Department does not have any news conferences scheduled, and updates will only be “posted here on the Fruitland Police Facebook page,” as the agency aims “to balance our efforts with pursuing the search for Michael and keeping the community informed.”

In addition to tiplines at the Payette County Sheriff’s Office and Crime Stoppers of Southwest Idaho, where callers can remain anonymous, police noted that there is also a new email tipline: findmichael@fruitland.org.

Focus shifts to air, waterways as search for missing Fruitland boy hits 2-week mark

Originally published Aug. 10 on KTVB.COM.

www.idahopress.com

Focus shifts to air, waterways as search for missing Fruitland boy hits 2-week mark​

Five-year-old Michael Vaughan was last seen at about 6:30 p.m. on July 27. Since then, local, state and federal law enforcement have launched and continued an extensive search for the boy.

On Tuesday, which marked two weeks since Vaughan disappeared, the Fruitland Police Department gave an update on the search. Officials said the search is ongoing and the focus has been on aerial and marine searches, including the miles of waterways in town.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Local group organizes fundraising event in the search for missing Fruitland boy

The Treasure Valley Long Riders will be hosting a fundraiser ride to support the Vaughan family while continuing to raise awareness about the child's disappearance.

www.kivitv.com

Local group organizes fundraising event in the search for missing Fruitland boy​

Flyers for missing five-year-old Michael Vaughan dot storefront windows across the city of Fruitland. Police are now in their second week of searching for the boy who was reported missing near his home on July 27 on Southwest 9th Street.

“To my knowledge, I don’t think we’ve ever experienced anything like this before. It’s absolutely devastating," said Terri Shurte, a resident of Payette and founder of the Treasure Valley Long Riders. "I think that’s why the community is coming in such force to show the family support and we are here for them. We want to bring him home.”

Shurte said she was asked by a friend of Vaughan's family if the group would organize a fundraiser to support the family. The “Bring ‘Monkey' Home Poker Run” references the little boy's nickname and is set for August 21 in Caldwell.

“Right now, that family, I can’t imagine. This is their worst nightmare. This is any parent’s worst nightmare. I can’t imagine trying to work and try to carry on with a normal life while your child is missing," Shurte said. "This right here helps the parents focus on trying to find the child and we are just trying to ease their day-to-day expenses.”

The event includes a motorcycle ride with stops in different locations. The event will start in Caldwell at Sportsman’s Hideout and end at Legend's in Weiser. There will be a dinner, music, and live & silent auction.

 

[Miccistella]

Not sure if that was already post

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

What I am trying to find:

who made the actual 911 call…?

was it dad or the neighbor?

MJ estimated last seen AROUND 6:30PM-7:00 PM

911 called 7:15 by the neighbor, dad says he thought he was at.???

8:20 endangered missing text alerts go out to the community in 4 different way.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Multiple agencies still actively searching local area for missing 5-year-old boy

FRUITLAND — Fruitland Police Department continues to update to the community on its Facebook page regarding Michael “Monkey” Joseph Vaughan, 5, who was last seen 17 days ago.

www.argusobserver.com

Multiple agencies still actively searching local area for missing 5-year-old boy​

Fruitland Police Department continues to update to the community on its Facebook page regarding Michael “Monkey” Joseph Vaughan, 5, who was last seen 17 days ago.

In updates on Thursday and Wednesday, police state that tips continue to come in and the Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue Teams with canines have been back in the area searching locations on both sides of the Snake River. Further searches are planned along banks of canals and rivers, and other waterways, with plans to continue as resources are available, according to the update.

Additionally, the sheriff’s office has used its boat about five times in assisting with searching the river.

“This morning, we were out on the river, and went up to the Interstate 84 bridge on the Snake River and all the way down to Annex and back and didn’t see anything while out there,” he said.

Resources from Idaho State Police and the FBI are still assisting Fruitland Police Department with the case.

“The many miles of waterways present significant challenges for us and there is a lot of debris and vegetation overgrowth along the banks of the Snake River and it’s slews,” Fruitland PD’s Wednesday update reads. “It will be slow going along the river, but as you know, we’re leaving no stone unturned.”

Police ask residents to continue searching their properties, walking fence lines and checking any drainage that might run through.

There were “well over 250 tips” called in as of the most recent update on Thursday, and all are being reviewed by an investigator. People are encouraged to keep providing any tips that may be useful.

In Wednesday’s update, Fruitland Police stated they were continuing the “methodical task of combing through the residential and business security camera video files for new leads.”

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

who made the actual 911 call…?

was it dad or the neighbor?

Hasn't been released.

MJ estimated last seen AROUND 6:30PM-7:00 PM

911 called 7:15 by the neighbor, dad says he thought he was at.???

8:20 endangered missing text alerts go out to the community in 4 different way.

I think a more accurate estimate is he was seen between 6:45 - 7:00 (but they extended it 15 minutes on either side just in case...6:30 - 7:15).
Not sure exactly what time police were called, but within about an hour the first missing child alert had gone out (8:20) with 4 different alerts via email, phone, text, until 11:20.

 

[Mel70]

This case is SOOOO. QUIET.
It's only been 10 days. This boy's face should be in the media each and every day. And it's not.

I did find it interesting that, when asked during the last press conference about what they are doing *outside* of Fruitland, it was pretty much just "we've got some posters out there". This search and investigation has stayed VERY close to home. I keep hoping they've got their eyes on someone and are just waiting to make a move.

I think everyone has been focused on Summer Wells and they should have just as much focus on this little boy.