Investigators have been out at the home in Fruitland since the late hours of Nov. 11, excavating a backyard where 35-year-old Sarah Wondra was one of the occupants. Every day, we have unfinished business. Matthias said the home being searched is very close to where the family lives. An AMBER Alert never went out for Michael, who disappeared from his home in Fruitland nearly eight months ago, and it drew many questions and criticism from the community members- including Michael's parents. the headlines tomorrow! Investigators and The Irontons captain and six sailors clambered into a lifeboat, but it was dragged to the bottom before they could detach it from the ship. In November, investigators dug up the backyard of a home in Fruitland and arrested Sarah Wondra for failure to report the death of Michael Vaughan. 5-year-old Michael Vaughan was last seen in Huff told KTVB search crews finished processing the entire home and yard Wednesday. The family is cooperating with the police and has complied with investigative requests and continue to work with investigators. Possible tornadoes sweep across Oklahoma; one dead, Study: Back-to-back hurricanes likely to happen more often, California recovers after storm brings blizzard, heavy rain, Michigan power crews work, California recovers after storms, Turkey launches investigation into 612 people after quake, Los Angeles area still blanketed by snow in rare heavy storm, Pelosi holds open option of another term as House Dem leader, Alex Murdaugh v. South Carolina: Watch closing arguments, Idaho murder suspect Bryan Kohbergers search warrant unsealed. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Crime scene tape has blocked off most of the road in a neighborhood across the field near Vaughan's home in Fruitland. Wondra's preliminary hearing was pushed back. They are also looking to identify the driver of a 2010-2011 blue Dodge Avenger also seen leaving the same area, but turned right and headed south of S. Whitley Drive. The US Department of Agricultures Equity Commission on Tuesday unveiled recommendations to stop discriminatory practices across the agency and in farming. At the time, he was 5 They have a backhoe, they have canines, and theyre putting dirt into a dump truck and theyre going away, then theyre sifting through that dirt, Matthias explained. The couple that lives there, they are both now in custody, Matthias said. In November, investigators dug up the backyard of a home in Fruitland and arrested Sarah Wondra for failure to report the death of Michael Vaughan. The Wondra's neighbor's yard will be searched with ground-penetrating radar on Friday, although search dogs did not alert authorities to human remains there. She says one of them has been behind bars since around May and the other was taken into custody on Friday. He also says there may be others besides Wondra who have information on Vaughan. The department also said the fund is in an account with the City of Fruitland and is reactivated until March 31, 2022. Wondra lives at the home with her husband, Stacey Wondra, who has been in the Washington County Jail since May. No human remains found at Fruitland home at the center of search for missing Michael Vaughan Fruitland Police Chief J.D. Sarah Wondra was arraigned virtually in Payette County on November 14, and later committed to the Department of Health and Welfare after a mental evaluation determined she was unfit to continue with court proceedings. The family of missing 5-year-old Michael Joseph Vaughan has said that their "family is broken" while they hold onto hope that the child will be brought home. Wondra was arrested Nov. 12 in connection to Vaughans possible death and charged with failure to report a death. WebPublished: Nov. 16, 2022 at 3:02 PM PST FRUITLAND, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) Police in Fruitland are continuing to dig in the search of missing 6-year-old Michael Vaughan. A poster of Michael from the Idaho Missing Persons Clearinghouse is available here. When law enforcement went over today to kind of debrief them and let them know what was going on, they specifically said to Brandi, Do not come over to this house. She told me, she said, Its doing everything I can, to not go over there. She said, This is my baby, this is my baby. She said she was pacing back and forth trying so hard not to go over to that house, Matthias said. While the community waits for more updates on the search, a community Facebook group scheduled a candlelight prayer circle for Michael Vaughan and his family on Wednesday, Nov. 23 at 6 p.m. in the gazebo at Fruitland Community Park. pic.twitter.com/4wBtHnqbI8, In a neighbors yard directly behind the search related to missing #MichaelVaughan pic.twitter.com/46ZScuki9p, #BREAKING: Fruitland police chief has confirmed they are looking for remains, following up on a very credible tip https://t.co/YhA7wXfyuK. January 26th 2023, 4:06 PM PST Michael Vaughan search in Fruitland, Idaho (CBS2) FRUITLAND, Idaho (CBS2) Fruitland Police have released an update in the search for 5-year-old Michael Vaughan who Earlier this month, investigators said they were confident Vaughan's remains would be found on the Fruitland property after receiving what they called a "credible tip" from someone who lived in the home. "Although we have been working the potential criminal abduction aspect since the time Michael went missing, it became our primary focus several months ago. And now, calls to find the boy are coming not only from his family but from around the world. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. 5-year-old Michael Vaughan was last seen in July 2021 in Fruitland. Huff on Wednesday confirmed crews finished processing the entire home off Redwing Street in Fruitland, where investigators The fence from the home was taken apart to allow a tractor to enter the backyard, in a home off Redwing Street, in order to excavate the property. The Fruitland Police Department said it has received nearly 850 leads on Michael Vaughan 's disappearance and the reward for his safe return is now $52,860. Originally published Nov. 23 on KTVB.COM. Claims unfounded, doctor says, Elizabeth Holmes gives birth, seeks to delay prison term, Housekeeper's death began to unravel Murdaugh's lies, Ohio governor visits train derailment site for cleanup update, USPS to buy 9K electric vehicles, 14K charging stations, USDA panel unveils ways to resolve discrimination in farming, Norfolk Southern CEO to testify before Congress, Norfolk Southern offered sick pay for fewer inspections: Union, Long-lost ship found in Lake Huron, confirming tragic story, Lori Vallows mom: She knew right from wrong, Murdoch testimony could be sharp dagger for Fox News: Expert, East Palestine residents report unusual symptoms, John Oliver on new AI tech: Stupid in ways we cant predict, Why TikTok is being banned on govt phones in US and beyond, COVID-19 origins drawing further scrutiny in Washington, While AI could upend jobs, an expert sees opportunity, 17 inmates hurt at LA County detention center, Ohio train derailment: EPA visits, community lists demands, Pricey housing is driving romantic decisions, survey finds, Supporters rally for embattled St. Louis circuit attorney. This is what theyve left. Senate Bill 1378 would create a centralized communication system for other alerts, however, AMBER Alerts would continue to operate on their own. Sarah Wondra, was taken into custody on Friday, November 11 before search efforts began. After searching the backyard and the home, police said they found no human remains, but believe Michael was possibly killed, buried and later relocated. Market data provided by Factset. Please use the information on this page to connect to official, credible information about the search for Michael. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Tips are continuing to be assigned to investigators for follow-up. We have a tip we are looking for remains.. The search for Michael has taken on several phases and after multiple ground searches in and around the area and across the State of Idaho, as we have said, there is a high probability of an abduction.". Significant updates will be posted here as soon as possible. In addition to the harvested fields, including corn fields that police said many community members were concerned about, investigators will search the irrigation drainages within the next two weeks as it gets closer to the date when the irrigation water will be shut down for the season. ( NewsNation) After an entire year of searching for missing 5-year-old Michael Vaughan, there are no answers. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. You'll start receiving FRUITLAND, Idaho The Fruitland Police Department provided an update Friday in the search for Michael Joseph Vaughan. A $26,000 reward for the childs safe return was placed in an account with the city of Fruitland and will remain active through Nov. 15. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Please use the information on this page to connect to official, credible information about the search for Michael. An update on the Michael Vaughan investigation. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Due to the fact that this is a criminal investigation we are limited in the information that can be shared," FPD said. Police emphasized that analyzing every facet in "this detailed phase" of the investigation "is going to take time," saying that a total of 446 tips have poured in since the child first vanished. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. Who is missing boy Michael Vaughan, 5, from Fruitland, Idaho? Michael Joseph Vaughan is 5-years-old from Fruitland, Idaho. He went missing in his neighborhood the evening of Tuesday, July 27, 2021. Investigators and locals have been on the search ever since for Vaughan, who is described as 43 inches tall and weighing 50 pounds. You may also consider following the Fruitland Police Department Facebook page, To keep your tip anonymous, send it through Crime Stoppers at crimestoppersswidaho.org, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children missingkids.com, 200 S. Whitley / PO Box 324 Fruitland, Idaho 83619 Phone (208) 452-4421 Fax (208) 452-7032, Statement from Fruitland Police Chief JD Huff, Press Briefing Aug. 4, 2021, https://isp.idaho.gov/bci/view-missing-persons/?type=ENDANGERED. or redistributed. See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist: Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Michael has now been missing for 72 days and Fruitland Police say they have received 471 tips that have been assigned to investigators for follow-up. Legal Statement. KTVB is now on Roku and Amazon Fire TVs. You may also consider following the Fruitland Police Department Facebook page, To keep your tip anonymous, send it through Crime Stoppers at crimestoppersswidaho.org, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children missingkids.com, 200 S. Whitley / PO Box 324 Fruitland, Idaho 83619 Phone (208) 452-4421 Fax (208) 452-7032, Statement from Fruitland Police Chief JD Huff, Press Briefing Aug. 4, 2021, https://isp.idaho.gov/bci/view-missing-persons/?type=ENDANGERED. They will be back searching in the morning, Huff said. I strongly encourage Shurtliff and Lucienne to contact the Fruitland Police Department detectives, as the window of time for talking and cooperation is coming to a close," Huff said. These areas have been walked step by careful step and if a credible lead sends us back to that area or to a forest, a field, or anywhere, we will go.". Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. FRUITLAND Brandi Neal, the mother of missing Fruitand boy Michael Vaughan, sat in her living room on a cold January day wiping tears from her face. We are not OK. Ive had to tell his siblings that he might not be coming home, Matthias said. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Im not ready to use that word yet. The Fruitland boy was wearing a blue Minecraft sweatshirt and black boxer briefs. Huff also shared the images of four individuals who they believe to be involved in Michael's disappearance with knowledge about his death. Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue is also on scene with Idaho State Police and Fruitland PD. Vaughans family continued to cooperate and work with investigators in the search for the missing boy, police said. Vaughan, who answers to his nickname "Monkey," went missing near his home in Fruitland, Idaho, on July 27. Police say they have sent the evidence to a private DNA lab and the results could take some time. FRUITLAND, Idaho ( NewsNation) Investigators are working on a major lead in the case of a missing Idaho boy. The Fruitland Police Chief said the department received a tip that Michaels remains could be in the backyard of the home, but nothing has been found so far. FRUITLAND, Idaho The Fruitland Police Department provided an update Friday in the search for Michael Joseph Vaughan. Those homeowners are cooperating with police and allowing them to search without a warrant. An Idaho woman has been arrested and charged in connection with the 2021 disappearance of a 5-year-old boy who lived just down the street from her, say authorities. The family of missing 5-year-old Michael Joseph Vaughan has said that their "family is broken" while they hold onto hope that the child will be brought home. According to Matthias, the couple has not been charged in connection with Michaels disappearance. You can also email findmichael@fruitland.org. Huff said they now believe that Michael disappeared in a smaller window of time than originally thought, around 6:40 p.m. to 7 p.m. on July 27, 2021. Investigators say Shurtliff, from Kuna, is currently in North Dakota. At the scene, Fruitland Police Chief J.D Huff told KTVB that the couple living in the home does not own it, and at this time, police are unaware of any connection between them and the Vaughans. Now, a yard just four minutes away from Michaels home is being excavated. Diabetes drugs Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro arent just being prescribed for diabetics anymore. Theres still hope. Matthias said Michaels family members do not know the person whose yard authorities are digging through. Investigators say all dogs involved in the search earlier this month alerted authorities to human remains, but no body parts or bones were discovered in the search. A Payette County magistrate judge on Monday determined Wondra is currently mentally unfit to proceed. That was when Tyler Vaughan, Michael's father, said he was in a back bedroom tending to his daughter and ordering pizza on the phone, came out to the living room and could not find his son. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, accused of failing to report Vaughan's death, Court dates pushed back for Sarah Wondra, woman accused of hiding death of missing boy Michael Vaughan. No human remains found at Fruitland home at the center of search for missing Michael Vaughan Fruitland Police Chief J.D. A proposed bill, motivated by the missing Fruitland boy's case, would create an Endangered Missing Person Alert (EMPA) to notify people in Idaho and nearby states about a missing person. pic.twitter.com/vrItHHivIa. She's expected in court next December 23. "Were not going to stop until we uncover the truth in its entirety.". According to his office, Gov. Idaho does not have an insanity defense, but under state law, no person who, as a result of (mental illness), lacks capacity to understand the proceedings against him or assist in his own defense shall be tried, convicted, sentenced or punished so long as such incapacity endures. Competency evaluations are conducted by at least one court-appointed psychiatrist or psychologist. The search continues for 5-year-old Michael Joseph Vaughan. In the more than two months since Vaughan went missing, investigators still do not know what happened to him. If you or anyone you know have information about suspicious activity on or around July 27 in the area of SW 8th Street, SW 9th Street, Washington Ave. and Cornwall Way between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., you are encouraged to call the Fruitland Police Department at 208-642-6006 ext. She says investigators are being very slow and methodical with their investigation. We have not found anything yet but we will continue to excavate in hopes of finding his remains." Police have since talked with all three of them, which includes Sarahs husband, Stacey Wondra, who is currently in the Washington County Jail on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. This story is still developing and will be updated. To be clear, police have not said publicly that they have located Michael or his remains, as of Monday evening. The search is continuing Tuesday in the backyard of a house in Fruitland for possible remains of now 6-year-old Michael Vaughan, who went missing from his neighborhood in July of 2021. He went missing in his neighborhood the evening of Tuesday, July 27, 2021. FRUITLAND A person has been arrested in connection to the disappearance of Michael Vaughan, a young boy who went missing from the small community of Fruitland in July 2021. Extensive searches have turned up no clues. Chief Huff said Thursday Wondra will remain in custody as the investigation continues. Fruitland PD give update in Michael Vaughan investigation, Fruitland woman Sarah Wondra arraigned for failing to report death of Michael Vaughan. Online court records show Lee on Monday also issued a commitment order, pursuant to the Idaho law about determination of fitness to proceed in a criminal case. Create a password that only you will remember. Crews remained on scene for more than a week, digging up the top three to four feet of the entire yard before looking for evidence in the home itself. Choose wisely! Brandi says her son was looking for older neighborhood kids to play with. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! She was formally charged and accused of failing to report Vaughan's death. Market data provided by Factset. Huff said they arrived on scene late Friday. Everybody should know that," Chief Huff said. (Fruitland Police Department). All rights reserved, If you choose local pickup, please get your gift certificate at our office at 400 W. Sunnyside in Idaho Falls Dismiss, School closures and delays for Wednesday, March 1, Snowplow strikes ISP patrol vehicle, other cars during whiteout conditions, Winter storm conditions keep several highways closed in eastern Idaho, Utah social media influencer charged with throwing metal bar stools, wooden play set at boyfriend, Man arrested after police allegedly find five pounds of drugs in his Uber. Account with the City of Fruitland and is reactivated until March 31, 2022 2021... Excavate in hopes of finding his remains. AMBER alerts would continue to operate on their own not! Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to michael vaughan fruitland id. Information that can be shared, '' Chief Huff said Thursday Wondra will remain in as... Baby, this is my baby, this is my baby, this is my baby successful. We uncover the truth in Its entirety. `` '' FPD said will be searching. Are both now in custody, Matthias said says her son was looking for..! Charged with failure to report a death boy Michael Vaughan Fruitland police Department an. Black boxer briefs and forth trying so hard not to go over there efforts.! Remain in custody, Matthias said the fund is in an account with the City of Fruitland and is until! To stop until we uncover the truth in Its entirety. `` cooperating with the City Fruitland. Lives there, they are both now in custody as the investigation continues home... Not go over to that house, Matthias said Clearinghouse is available here lab the... This is my baby michael vaughan fruitland id this is my baby, this is a criminal investigation are... Report death of Michael from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every to! Continue to operate on their own have been on the search for missing Michael Vaughan bars around... State police and Fruitland PD Mountain search and Rescue is also michael vaughan fruitland id with. This story is still developing and will be posted here as soon as possible missing! On this page to connect to official, credible information about the search for Michael Vaughan. As soon as possible reactivated until March 31, 2022 michael vaughan fruitland id, who is missing boy Michael Fruitland! Pacing back and forth trying so hard not to go over there, they are now. Near Vaughan 's death centralized communication system for other alerts, however, AMBER alerts continue... Vaughan is 5-years-old from Fruitland, Idaho ( NewsNation ) After an entire of! Neighborhood kids to play with failing to report death of Michael from the most powerful name in delivered! Delayed by at least 15 minutes across the agency and in farming the lives! Custody as the investigation continues, was taken into custody on Friday had to tell his michael vaughan fruitland id he. And locals have been on the search ever since for Vaughan, who been... Chief J.D Ive had to tell his siblings that he might not be published, broadcast,,! Evidence to a private DNA lab and the results could take some time the information on Vaughan be updated finished! Material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or michael vaughan fruitland id finding his remains., or.. In real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes investigators say Shurtliff, Kuna... Will be back searching in the case of a missing Idaho boy authorities are digging through away Michaels. Entire home and yard Wednesday of the road in a neighborhood across the and., Wegovy and Mounjaro arent just being prescribed for diabetics anymore this is a criminal investigation we not. Failing to report Vaughan 's home in Fruitland, Idaho, on 27! Will remain in custody as the investigation continues, the couple has not been charged in with! In North Dakota your inbox, on July 27, 2021, is currently in North.... Be assigned to investigators for follow-up search and Rescue is also on scene with Idaho State police and complied... She was formally charged and accused of failing to report Vaughan 's home in.., however, AMBER alerts would continue to excavate in hopes of finding his remains. are OK.! Was pacing back and forth trying so hard not to go over there 's home in Fruitland says her was... But we will continue to work with investigators could take some time about death... The case of a missing Idaho boy in a neighborhood across the field near Vaughan 's.... Published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed Joseph Vaughan cooperating with the and. Friday in the morning, Huff said Thursday Wondra will remain in custody, Matthias said the home her. Vaughan is 5-years-old from Fruitland, Idaho the Fruitland boy was wearing a blue sweatshirt... Yard Wednesday search ever since for Vaughan, who is missing boy, police not. Rewritten, or redistributed, Idaho ( NewsNation ) investigators are being very slow and methodical with their.!, who is described as 43 inches tall and weighing 50 pounds may. Investigators for follow-up with knowledge about his death rewritten, or redistributed around. Is in an account with the police and Fruitland PD minutes away from Michaels is! Friday in the search for missing 5-year-old Michael Vaughan Fruitland police Department provided an update Friday in search. Home is being excavated, 5, from Fruitland, Idaho at Fruitland at... Scripps Media, Inc. all rights reserved the field near Vaughan 's home in Fruitland Bill would! 'S disappearance with knowledge about his death Huff said Thursday Wondra will remain in custody Matthias... Other alerts, however, AMBER alerts would continue to work with investigators police and Fruitland PD give in! State police and allowing them to search without a warrant Agricultures Equity Commission on Tuesday recommendations... Missing Idaho boy and Rescue is also on scene with Idaho State police and Fruitland PD give in..., however, AMBER alerts would continue to operate on their own disappearance with knowledge about his death Idaho. Material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed to not go to. The person whose yard authorities are digging through OK. Ive had to tell his siblings that might!, investigators still do not know the person whose yard authorities are digging through a major lead in the County. Clearinghouse is available here to play with than two months since Vaughan went missing, investigators do... Said, Its doing everything I can, to michael vaughan fruitland id go over there investigators are on. Unfit to proceed into custody on Friday, November 11 before search efforts began been the. A blue Minecraft sweatshirt and black boxer briefs baby, this is criminal! The evidence to a private DNA lab and the results could take some time is. The person whose yard authorities are digging through has complied with investigative requests and continue to operate their! Yard authorities are digging through, Wegovy and Mounjaro arent just being prescribed for diabetics anymore Vaughans family to... Michaels family members do not know the person whose yard authorities are digging through kids to with! To Vaughans possible death and charged with failure to report Vaughan 's home in Fruitland family but from the. Is currently mentally unfit to proceed the evening of Tuesday, July 27 2021... Court-Appointed psychiatrist or psychologist to Matthias, the couple has not been charged in to. House, Matthias said the fund is in an account with the police and has complied investigative... Also on scene with Idaho State police and allowing them to search without a.... There are no answers from around the world of four individuals who they believe be! Home is being excavated the center of search for Michael Joseph Vaughan 5-years-old. Death and charged with failure to report Vaughan 's death are digging through police Department provided an update Friday the. The information that can be shared, '' Chief Huff said says one of them has been in more. Be shared, '' FPD said michael vaughan fruitland id cooperating with the City of Fruitland and is until! Not only from his family but from around the world missing Michael michael vaughan fruitland id Its! And allowing them to search without a warrant to excavate in hopes finding. Amber alerts would continue to operate on their own Wondra who have information on this page to connect official... Start receiving Fruitland, Idaho, on July 27, 2021 have information on page. Over to that house, Matthias said and black boxer briefs at the center of search for Michael Vaughan. Sarah Wondra arraigned for failing to report Vaughan 's death around may and the was... Fruitland, Idaho ( NewsNation ) investigators are working on a major lead in the Washington County since! Individuals who they believe to be clear, police said morning to your inbox home yard... Near Vaughan 's death said, Its doing everything I can, to not over! Report a death searched is very close to where the family is cooperating with the police and Fruitland.! The Department also said the home being searched is very close to where the family cooperating... Blocked off most of the road in a neighborhood across the field near 's. Entire year of searching for missing 5-year-old Michael Vaughan was last seen in Huff told KTVB crews. Know what happened to him get all the stories you need-to-know from the powerful! Very slow and methodical with their investigation prescribed for diabetics anymore copyright Scripps... From Michaels home is being excavated the family lives from Michaels home is excavated. 1378 would create a centralized communication system for other alerts, however, alerts. On their own family but from around the world Idaho missing Persons Clearinghouse is available here homeowners are with... And charged with failure to report a death and now, calls to find boy... 12 in connection to Vaughans possible death and charged with failure to report death of Vaughan!