ID ID - Michael “Monkey” Vaughan, 5, last seen near home, Fruitland, 27 Jul 2021 #2

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IMO they have more evidence than what a person "said" happened. LE is aware of false confessions and wouldn't (shouldn't ?) charge someone based only on what they claimed happened. I think LE has more than hearsay but not enough to charge yet. Let's hope for a break in the case later this year. MOO.
 

BOISE, Idaho — The mother of missing Fruitland boy Michael Vaughan told KTVB she is "disheartened" and "upset" after charges against the only person who has been charged in her son's disappearance so far were dismissed on Monday.

However, Vaughan's mother Brandi Neal said she is confident in the law enforcement investigating the case.

"I know police are steadfast in their ongoing investigation and in bringing justice for Michael," Neal said.

She said she can't comment on why the prosecutor's office asked for the case to be dismissed, but she does say one thing to anyone with any involvement in Vaughan's disappearance -- charges are forthcoming.

She asked for the public to keep Vaughan's "beautiful face out there because we still need answers and tips and information from people who aren't talking."

*********
 
It really sounds like Wondra’s had a trap house, so many people in and out and staying and going.

I've just had to google 'trap house' as it's a new phrase to me but yes I totally agree, that's what the house sounded like IMO when I was following this case on various sites that are not officially able to be linked or quoted here.

It did seem to be the case that transient people or random visitors were coming and going but sort of staying for a while which seems very odd. Plus the taxi service they were operating, meaning a high turnover of people coming in and out of their lives.

It's devastating that a whole year has gone by and there's been no movement or developments as far as we the general public can see.

Are both the Wondras still incarcerated as it's not clear what has happened to the male, was he charged and sentenced?
 
The last update from Chief Huff was on January 26th.

It's been four months, when are we going to hear about that evidence recovered from the search at the Wondra home?

"During the search warrant service at 1102 Redwing, investigators recovered several pieces evidence. Some of those pieces have been sent to a private DNA lab for further analysis. That process will take time and we are patiently waiting for results."

 
The last update from Chief Huff was on January 26th.

It's been four months, when are we going to hear about that evidence recovered from the search at the Wondra home?

"During the search warrant service at 1102 Redwing, investigators recovered several pieces evidence. Some of those pieces have been sent to a private DNA lab for further analysis. That process will take time and we are patiently waiting for results."

When is this case going to stop slipping under the radar of publicity and thoughtful scrutiny. When is this case going to get competent investigators. <modsnip - not victim friendly>
 
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When is this case going to stop slipping under the radar of publicity and thoughtful scrutiny. When is this case going to get competent investigators. <modsnip - not victim friendly>
Since we don't know all the facts of the case, and we know only a fraction of what LE knows, we don't have a basis to say the investigators are incompetent.

All of those questions have been asked by LE. They aren't going to tell us anything that they believe would not progress the investigation, or at least not interfere with it.

JMO
 
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When is this case going to stop slipping under the radar of publicity and thoughtful scrutiny. When is this case going to get competent investigators. <modsnip - not victim friendly>

Agree except I am sure LE wants this solved as much as anyone. It appears to be a very complex case.
 
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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 year's event. Rather, they will be celebrating Michael during a private gathering with family.

Michael was last seen near his neighborhood in Fruitland on July 27, 2021.

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.
 
Thinking of Michael's family today. July 27 is the second anniversary of his disappearance. Chief Huff, Fruitland PD, will post a brief update on Facebook later today.


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 “row by row, inch by inch,” as well as searching through neighborhoods and bodies of water.

Michael “Monkey” Joseph Vaughan was last seen outside his home on July 27, 2021. Early on in the case, his parents were cleared as suspects, with Fruitland Police Chief JD Huff saying they always fully cooperated.

In November of 2022, the case took a major turn with Fruitland Police Department naming four people as suspect, who were within a mile of his home at the time of his disappearance.

***********
Huff said Michael is still believed to be dead, but would not comment on why that is believed, stating that more evidence was outstanding.

The chief also told the newspaper that there were still no arrest warrants issued or charges filed on anyone in relation to the case. He said he planned on forwarding it to the prosecutor in about a month.

In May and June, the newspaper checked in with Huff for an update on the case. He did not returned multiple requests for comment by email or phone.

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.

More at link. Most of the article is a recap of the case.
 

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 year's event. Rather, they will be celebrating Michael during a private gathering with family.

Michael was last seen near his neighborhood in Fruitland on July 27, 2021.

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.

Why were people upset with them celebrating his birthday?

Imo, If they want to celebrate his B-day publicly, let them.

Their child is missing and presumed dead for crying out loud.

Jmo
 
Fruitland Police Facebook:

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.
 

City of Fruitland Police


1-26-2023
Update: Michael Vaughan Investigation

The Fruitland Police Department continues to investigate the abduction of 5-year-old Michael Vaughan. At this stage in the investigation, investigators are working to validate information and follow up on new information we have received, as a result of the last press conference.

During the search warrant service at 1102 Redwing, investigators recovered several pieces evidence. Some of those pieces have been sent to a private DNA lab for further analysis. That process will take time and we are patiently waiting for results.

This investigation is multi-faceted and will take time to bring to a conclusion. Our partnerships with assisting agencies are strong and we continue to work closely with the Payette County Prosecutor. We continue to ask for the community’s patience as we pursue justice for Michael.

The Fruitland Police Department is extremely grateful for the community support and all of those who have had the courage to bring new information forward.

Tips can be sent to the Fruitland Police Department (208) 452-3110, Tipsters may remain anonymous, findmichael@fruitland.org or to Crime Stoppers, 343COPS.com.

Future updates will be released on this page as they’re available.
Thank you.
 
Contrasting the FPD January post to the July - six months later.

In July, FPD does not mention the the evidence recovered in the search of 1102 Redwing which was sent to the lab for DNA testing. Does this mean the results came back with a match to Monkey? Is this why the case has been handed over to the Payette County Prosecutor's Office?

Refresher on the arrest, then dismissal of charges ( “without prejudice” ) against Sarah Wondra here - Michael Vaughan's mother says she still 'confident' in law enforcement after charges dropped

She is still in custody however on the other three charges, not related to Monkey.

Is a reporter going to contact Payette County Prosecuting Attorney Michael Duke for a comment on the PCA and the future of this case?
 
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