Jacob Erwin Wetterling

RESOLVED

Jacob, circa 1989

  • Missing Since 10/22/1989
  • Missing From St. Joseph, Minnesota
  • Classification Non-Family Abduction
  • Sex Male
  • Race White
  • Age 11 years old
  • Distinguishing Characteristics Caucasian male.

Details of Disappearance

JacobĀ disappeared from St. Joseph, Minnesota on October 22, 1989. He was walking home with his brother and his best friend when they were accosted by a masked man. The man let the other two boys go, but abducted Jacob at gunpoint. In September 2016, as part of a plea deal worked out over the span of months, Daniel Heinrich confessed to Jacob's murder and lead authorities to his body.

It was buried on the outskirts of a farm near Paynesville, Minnesota. Heinrich stated he sexually abused and shot Jacob on the night of his abduction. At the time of his confession, he was already in police custody, charged with 25 counts of possession of child pornography. Authorities believe he molested other boys in the area. He will probably spend the rest of his life in prison.

Investigating Agency

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Source Information

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