CANYON COUNTY, Idaho — The case against Stacey Wondra is moving forward as attorneys prepare for trial in the disappearance and presumed death of 5-year-old Michael Vaughan.
Wondra appeared in Canyon County District Court Tuesday morning for a status conference, where the defense discussed several motions it plans to bring before the judge ahead of trial.
Wondra is charged with first-degree murder, second-degree kidnapping, and destruction of evidence in connection with Michael Vaughan’s disappearance from his Fruitland neighborhood in July 2021. Michael’s remains have never been found.
WATCH: Michael Vaughan’s Mother Brandi Vaughan Reacts to Defense Motions
The defense has filed a motion asking the judge to dismiss the case, arguing there is not enough evidence to proceed. Attorneys are also seeking to suppress certain evidence, including a letter and statements made by Wondra.
During Tuesday’s hearing, both the defense and prosecution confirmed they are still preparing for trial, which is scheduled to begin Sept. 14.
Michael’s mother, Brandi Vaughan, continues to attend each court hearing as the case moves forward.
“It does hit me like a ton of bricks, especially the one to dismiss. I just couldn’t even believe that you would even think that, like, but I mean, it’s in his rights to do that,” Vaughan said.
Vaughan said she expects the defense will also challenge evidence involving search dogs used during the investigation.
In 2022, Idaho News 6 covered the investigation into Wondra’s then-wife, Sarah Wondra, who was charged with failing to report a death. Those charges were later dismissed after investigators did not recover Michael’s remains.
“I’m expecting them to challenge the dogs. That’s what I’m waiting for. So, I’m no doubt in my mind that they’re going to,” Vaughan said.
The judge scheduled hearings on the defense motions for Aug. 11 and Aug. 12, with additional time reserved on Aug. 13 if needed. Additional motions could also be filed before those hearings.
Vaughan said she believes the evidence presented during the preliminary hearing supports moving forward with the case.
“I honestly don’t believe that there would be a judge that would look at all the information that was given at the preliminary hearing and say that there was not enough evidence there for probable cause,” Vaughan said.
The upcoming hearings come as the five-year anniversary of Michael’s disappearance approaches.
On July 27, Vaughan’s family plans to hold a press conference outside the Fruitland Police Department. Later that evening, the community is invited to a celebration of Michael’s life at Fruitland Park from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The event will include rock painting, a fingerprint station where families can create identification cards for their children, and a candlelight vigil.
“It’ll be something uplifting, something happy,” Vaughan said.
Wondra is expected back in court Aug. 4 at 9 a.m. for a pretrial conference.
Idaho News 6 will continue following developments in the case.
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