Four years after the mysterious disappearance of 5-year-old Michael Vaughan, authorities in Idaho have charged a former neighbor with murder and related offenses.

The Payette County Prosecutor’s Office announced on Friday that Stacey Wondra is facing charges connected to Michael’s disappearance and murder. The child was last seen in July 2021, and his whereabouts have remained unknown since.

At the time of Michael’s disappearance, Stacey Wondra and his ex-wife, Sarah Wondra, lived in proximity to the Vaughan family’s home in Fruitland.

On November 11, 2022, investigators executed a search warrant at Wondra’s former residence on Redwing Street. This action followed a credible tip suggesting that a body might be buried in the backyard, as previously reported by CrimeOnline.

In a leaked video reported by CBS 2’s Idaho News, Stacey Wondra was seen on FaceTime allegedly instructing investigators on the location where he claimed Sarah had buried Michael.

No remains were found, and detectives said they believe the remains were likely moved to another location. Both Stacey and Sarah Wondra were then named as suspects.

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.