Katrina Baur remains scheduled for an April 14, 2027 joint jury trial alongside co-defendant Jesse Vang in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, despite a judge approving her request to replace court-appointed attorney Amber Gratz. The transition introduces potential scheduling shifts as the defense prepares for felony child neglect and obstruction charges related to the death of 3-year-old Elijah Vue.
The Bottom Line
- Trial Timeline: The joint jury trial for Katrina Baur and Jesse Vang remains anchored to the April 14, 2027 docket, though defense transitions introduce scheduling variables.
- Legal Shift: Manitowoc County Circuit Court Judge Anthony Lambrecht granted Baur’s motion to dismiss attorney Amber Gratz, citing appeal risks, despite opposition from prosecutors and public defender administration.
- Charges and Bond: Baur faces felony chronic neglect resulting in death, child neglect, and two misdemeanor counts of obstructing an officer, currently held on a $400,000 cash bond at the Manitowoc County Jail.
Navigating Defense Transitions Ahead of the April Docket
Katrina B. Baur, 33, will receive a new public defender following a July 13 motion hearing where Manitowoc County Circuit Court Judge Anthony Lambrecht approved her request to remove Amber Gratz from the case, according to court records cited by USA Today. Baur originally sought the change in a July 2 letter, stating she believed her relationship with Gratz could not be repaired.
The decision came over the objections of multiple legal officials. District Attorney Jacalyn LaBre, outgoing defense attorney Gratz, and Kathy Pakes, director of the Assigned Counsel Division in the State Public Defender’s Office, all opposed the substitution. Pakes noted that Gratz was a competent and diligent attorney, warning that sourcing a new public defender could affect the trial schedule.
Judge Lambrecht ultimately approved the request to mitigate potential appeal risks if the substitution was denied. The court also noted that the ruling was not a reflection of Gratz’s professional performance. Prior to the hearing, Baur evaluated potential pro bono representation from the firm Kirk Obear and Associates, with the court setting an August 14 deadline for filings regarding that alternative.
Charges, Co-Defendants, and Procedural History
Baur and 41-year-old co-defendant Jesse Vang face a joint jury trial scheduled to begin April 14, 2027. Prosecutors assert that Baur intentionally sent her 3-year-old son, Elijah Vue, to live with Vang in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, for disciplinary reasons. The toddler disappeared in February 2024, and civilian searchers discovered his remains on September 7, 2024, on private property roughly three miles from his last known location.
Baur entered not guilty pleas during an October 30, 2024 arraignment. Her current detention continues at the Manitowoc County Jail under a $400,000 cash bond. Meanwhile, Vang faces separate felony counts including child abuse causing death and hiding a corpse.
| Defendant | Primary Charges | Bond / Custody | Trial Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Katrina Baur | Chronic neglect resulting in death, child neglect, resisting/obstructing an officer (2 counts) | $400,000 Cash Bond (Manitowoc County Jail) | April 14, 2027 |
| Jesse Vang | Child abuse causing death, hiding a corpse | Held pending joint trial | April 14, 2027 |
Monitoring Pretrial Deadlines
With a status conference set for August 20, the primary operational challenge for the defense centers on continuity.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
