Man Charged in the Disappearance of Fruitland Boy Michael “Monkey” Vaughan

Fruitland, Idaho — After more than three years of heartbreak and unanswered questions, a major development has emerged in the case of missing five-year-old Michael “Monkey” Vaughan.

Authorities have announced that Stacey Wondra has been charged with first-degree murder, second-degree kidnapping, and destruction of evidence in connection with Michael’s disappearance. Wondra is expected to be extradited to Idaho to face the charges.

Michael vanished on July 27, 2021, while playing near his home in Fruitland. His disappearance triggered one of the largest and most emotional missing-child investigations in Idaho’s history, involving local, state, and federal agencies.

In 2022, investigators carried out an extensive excavation behind the Wondra residence following a credible tip. Despite weeks of work and community anticipation, no human remains were recovered at that time.

Authorities have not released specific details about what new evidence led to the charges, but they emphasize that the investigation remains active and that the search for Michael continues.

Michael’s family has lived through years of anguish, refusing to give up hope. His mother, Brandi Neal, has remained a steadfast advocate for her son, urging the public to keep his story alive and to share any information that could help bring him home.

At the time of his disappearance, Michael was five years old, with blond hair, blue eyes, standing 3 feet 7 inches tall, and weighing about 50 pounds.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the Fruitland Police Department or their local law enforcement agency.

As the case moves forward, the community of Fruitland continues to rally behind the Vaughan family, holding onto hope that answers — and justice — are finally within reach.