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Community rides to support Michael Vaughan on third anniversary of Fruitland boy's disappearance

July 27 marks three years since Michael "Monkey" Vaughan was last seen. The community and his family have faith they will one day bring Michael home.

BOISE, Idaho — It's been 1,096 days since Michael Vaughan went missing.

623 days since crews searched a house for his remains.

And 365 days since the case was submitted to prosecutors.

Every day has been a search for closure for Michael's mom, Brandi Neal.

"This community has surrounded our family and Michael, and they haven't forgotten about him," Brandi said. "Today is three years since he was abducted, and we still have hope - and they give us hope, they keep us going."

The community has not forgotten about the boy they affectionally call "Monkey." 

RELATED: Why an AMBER Alert wasn't issued for missing Fruitland boy

On the third anniversary of Michael's disappearance, people gathered for a motorcycle ride in support of Michael and his family.

"Show them that we're here," ride organizer and family friend Brooke Curtiss said. "Make sure they understand that they've got a whole community backing them and they don't feel alone in this process."

Police believe Michael's remains were once buried in a backyard close to his house. However, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children released an age-progression of what Michael would look like today - at eight years old.

 

Credit: National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Michael Vaughan age-progression photo

The Fruitland Police Department released the following statement for the anniversary of Michael's disappearance: 

7-27-2024 Update: Missing Michael Joseph Vaughan Michael has been gone for three years now, and the case remains very...

Posted by City of Fruitland Police on Friday, July 26, 2024

"We will continue to push forward until this family gets closure," Curtiss said.

1,096 days - with countless people rallying behind Michael and his family.

"We need everyone's help still," Brandi said. "We continue to need everyone's help to stay vigilant for Michael."

Anyone with information on Michael Vaughan's disappearance is urged to contact the Fruitland Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 208-343-COPS. Tipsters can remain anonymous. 

RELATED: Community gathers in support of Michael Vaughan's family

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