Nearly four years after 5-year-old Michael Vaughan vanished, an Idaho man who was once his neighbor is now facing charges of murder and related offenses.
The Payette County Prosecutor’s Office announced that Stacey Wondra was charged on Friday for the disappearance and presumed murder of Michael, missing since July 2021.
Authorities revealed that Stacey and his former wife, Sarah Wondra, resided close to the Vaughan family in Fruitland when the young boy went missing.
On November 11, 2022, investigators executed a search warrant at the Wondras’ former residence on Redwing Street. This search followed a credible tip suggesting a body might be buried in the backyard, as previously reported by CrimeOnline.
According to CBS 2’s Idaho News, a leaked video surfaced showing Stacey Wondra on FaceTime, allegedly guiding investigators to the location where he claimed Sarah had buried Michael.
Despite the search, no remains were discovered, leading detectives to suspect that the body had been relocated. Consequently, both Stacey and Sarah Wondra were identified as suspects in the case.
A Payette County lieutenant confirmed to KTVB Friday that Stacey Wondra has been charged with first-degree murder, second-degree kidnapping and destruction of evidence.
The prosecutor’s office said in a press statement that despite not having the victim’s remains, enough evidence has been gathered to make the charges possible.
“After a robust investigation by the Fruitland Police department and countless assisting agencies, we have unfortunately been unable to locate Michael to recover his remains,” Payette County prosecutor, Michael Duke, said.
“Our foremost hope has always been to recover Michael but delays now risk further harm to his loved ones. We believe we know the individuals involved and are committed to pursuing justice with or without Michael’s recovery.”
Sarah Wondra is not currently facing charges. She was initially charged with failing to report a death, but those charges were dropped in 2022.
Stacey Wondra is currently at a prison in Arizona on unrelated charges and has not yet been extradited to Idaho.
The story is developing. Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Michael Vaughan/Fruitland PD]
