This case has been the recipient of many notable claims over the years.
It has been called “the case that changed Minnesota.”
It has been credited with changing the way that missing children investigations have operated – and at the time that it happened – back in 1989 – this case involved the largest-scale search for a missing person in the history of the United States.
After sunset on the evening of 22 October 1989, in rural St Joseph, Minnesota, 11 year-old Jacob Wetterling was taken by a stranger.
A masked man carrying a pistol, dressed all in black, managed to steal him away in the dark of night. The man left two witnesses to the abduction; Jacob’s younger brother and his best friend.
It was a case that gripped the nation and sparked a nearly 30 year-long, perplexing investigation. One that would be the source of intense speculation – and criticism.
This is the heartbreaking story of Jacob Wetterling.
***The podcast “In the Dark” paints a detailed and nuanced picture of the failures of law enforcement in this case. Chief among them the deficiencies of Stearn County Sheriff to perform basic investigative tasks in the early – and most critical – hours after Jacob’s abduction. https://features.apmreports.org/in-the-dark/
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I know it sounds horrible to tell a 3 year old, but I told my daughter (now 26) that if someone she didn't know ever tried to make her go with him or her, no matter the threat, even if they point a gun, to run and scream because if she got into a car or went somewhere away from where she was, she would be killed definitely. Running gave her a chance, complying meant death. It's harsh, and I only repeated it three times, but she told me later that it was a good lesson and that she wasn't scared. It is true, and something everyone should know. If you comply, you will die. The criminal NEEDS to get the victim from the grab location to a second location for a reason so the safest place is the grab location where the only threat is the threat. Once moved, anything is possible, and death is almost guaranteed, not to mention the horror that the victim will endure between the time of the grab to the time of death.
I remember this case
He had to have been living within walking distance or hid a car.
In Rise of the Black Serial Killers: Documenting a Startling Trend, Justin Cottrell expels the myth that serial killers in America are predominately white. On the contrary after sifting through a myriad of newspaper records and books, he’s compiled a list of murderers that is equal too or greater than the number of White serial killers from 1860 to present. Few if any have ever heard any of their names or stories, until now. Based on his findings white serial killers have been underrepresented throughout American history when compared to the percentage of the population they represent by a factor of 1.79 on average. On the other hand, black serial killers have been overrepresented 3 to 7 times their portion of the population, with a 150 year average of 4.44. Another startling trend he uncovered is black serial killers have never represented less than 30.23% of the number of serial killers in a given decade, despite their overall percentage of the population never exceeding 13.1%. This trend has steadily increased to the point that in our current decade they represent 77.27% of the number of serial killers apprehended since 2010, yet only account for 12.6% of the populace. Aside from trends, this book offers reasons most people assume black serial killers don’t exist—from the media prohibition on the subject, to general misunderstandings. Comparisons of the lack of media coverage on violent black crime are pitted against the over coverage of comparable white crimes. Coupled with this is a look into the various factors that breed serial killers, with a look into why black serial killers are on the rise, while White serial killers are on the decline. To prove his research is valid, a full list of every black serial killer is provided, along with a brief description of their crimes. In addition to this the biographies of 35 of these killers are given, with detailed information about their crimes.
Recording not retained on a kid knapping???? Call off search that soon??? Search dogs, but emmediately. Not the next day. 😡😡
These creeper's have to be locked up forever, to rape and ruin a child, Game Over!! Not another chance at freedom, I'm firm on that send them all to Alcatraz or more desolate.
Why no photos of the skull that was recovered after 27 years? That would've made this a first class presentation.
That Danny Hynrick sure looks like the composite, the fibers, tires, police scanners, pics of young boys, a big dork, loner, cheese teeth poor hygiene, well he never stopped, no doubt. No rape kits were done on any of these boys. ???? Kevin would have made a better detective. Dan the music teacher looks nothing like the composite. That sucks . Why didn't they torture D.H. strange both named Dan . This beautiful son, and his poor family. I knew it was #1 in the line up. Fudge he is super sicko. Extremely poor job done on this case, he was spooked into not doing it again in 26 years, all these kids weren't wrong. Stumble the did. Slapped in the face with him again it was. Al Herbert yes yes they missed a huge things like a monster named Hyndrick. These boys were completely failed. My love and deepest condolences to these heart broken families and surviving victims. Everything he owned should have been sold. And divided between the the living boys or deceaseds parents . At minimum
Why does a child have to lose it's life before safeguards are looked at or in some instances, put in place? Pedophiles are born, not made. What that means is you cannot change them. They cannot be rehabilitated. So once law enforcement have them, and it seems that you can't even trust them to do their jobs,the law must ensure that they keep them. Caregivers must wake up, there are no safe places. I could care less how mature you think they are. They cannot navigate effectively adult situations. This is a prime example. Even though there were three boys together, Jacob was put through unimaginable hell by this lowlife creature from hell. So we all have to be mindful and realistic about the world we live in.
In 2003 two child predators tried to abduct my 11 year old son from a laundromat, right in front of me and the owner. These people were pure evil, but they didn't count on a Mama Bear.
There shouldn't be any time limit and that law really has needed to be changed for a long time it's way overdue. We all know these monsters never stop. I don't believe that for a minute!
where have you been?
New subscriber here and I have to say this was a very devastating first case to listen to. The police Bumble this so bad it's not even funny. This poor little boy never had a chance. May God hold you in the hollow of his hand Little Jacob.
Why are there so many perverted weirdos out there? Are we living in hell?
Thanks so much Kevin for this very frustrating sad story!
Jacob’s parents are inspirational people, well done to the persistence of Jerrard too. Awful case.
All child abduction cases strike me right in the heart, and Jacob's case has always resonated with me. And imagine the impact it had on his younger brother. I have great compassion for his family. Rest in eternal peace and love, Jacob.
I have no words to say about this piece of maggot Sh*t that took this boys life. My heart goes out to the young boys families. R I P Jacob Wetterling.
Every time I hear that little bell that you have a new video I get excited cuz you do such a great job as being so thorough and accurate and giving us information videos 911 calls that other channels do not give. Looking forward to the next one great job
You just never know…
https://youtube.com/shorts/CFNyoCQxktI?feature=share
Such a thoughtful and professional video. Thank you for all the hard work you put into telling this heartbreaking story.
Such a sad sad story 😞 I remember this at the time an it always remained with me, God Bless you Jacob 🙏 ❤
How did I have no idea that this crime was solved?? 😲 R.I.P Jacob 💐
I have never viewed this site, but the introduction allows us to view the mindset of a story.
This case was so excellently researched and presented. I won’t lie, there was something about this case that frightened me. If I, a 39 year old woman in the comfort and security of my home am feeling scared, I can’t imagine the fear young Jacob felt when he was taken. The hopelessness he felt when his friends were able to run away and he how he was targeted simply because of his age. Heartbreaking and horrific.
I hope that man gets to feel even an inch of fear in prison and beyond.
Don't understand why our society view everyone precious, we're all in this together,
Growing up during the 50's & 60's in safe Australia there was quiet alot of children being kidnapped
and murdered I had missed a few bullets myself just lucky that's all 🙏 so horrible for the families 😢
This happened only 62 miles from where my husband's family and ultimately where my kids grew up. This was such a mess, this could've been solved when it occurred and never should've occurred. The boy who was taken before could've stopped and prevented Jacob's abduction. So awful. Poor Jacob and his family should've never had to go through any of this
I grew up in Cold Spring & this has been a lifetime story for me! Thank you for covering it so well & with the most needed facts/detail!! We were shook when Jacob was finally brought home, although not the final outcome anyone wanted but he is home ❤
Another example of completely inept police work. it would be laughable if it wasn't so common. the drawing was basically a picture of the guy, he had pictures of kids, a scanner, camo/black jackets, and more. So ridiculous
So they questioned Heinrich for 2 hours and he didn't break so they decided he wasn't guilty and let him go? Ridiculous, especially when you consider that they will keep other suspects- some with zero evidence other than the first cops investigating decide this is the guy and some are minors or have learning disabilities or both- for 10, 12, 14 hours, questioning and accusing and twisting stories and giving them the answer they want to hear until the suspect "confesses".
And that poor teacher, Rassier. They destroyed his reputation and physically destroyed his home, teari g up land and structures, based on absolutely nothing other than someone's "gut", like I mentioned above. Heinrich at least had the pictures of young boys and police scanners tying him to the crimes, Rassier had nothing other than the misfortune of the abduction happening right near his house and some random tire marks in his driveway- you know, where tire marks are supposed to be.
It just doesn't seem right when Maury Povich doesn't say "YOU are NOT the father"….
Hi from Australia, would just like to say you have a great voice and thank you for sharing the stories of so many also RIP little one.
Rest easy Jacob. My heart breaks for the family & friends. I'm saying this from the bottom of my heart. To all the parents that have had their child abducted & not returned. You are strong you are true heroes fighting for justice & awareness of their missing children. This doesn't just happen to children but can happen to anyone of any age please be aware of your surroundings specially a new hangout place & new people. Thank you for this video Kevin.
Thank You😢
It's crazy to see someone cover this case because it happened so close to home (I'm only a few hours from St. Joseph). No one thought Jacob or his murderer would ever be found. Still can't believe it took 27 years… so sad.
Thats who i thought it was from beginning
That FBI agent even sounds extremely stupid.
Does the other host wear and eye patch
Are you kidding me ??!!! 20 years for that monster ? I suppose he is eligible to get parole at some point too. God help us, what is WRONG with our "justice" system ? It literally turns my stomach. They keep coddling these MONSTERS !
It is NOT rare for children to be taken by strangers. Not rare at all.
I was familiar with this case, but the detail presented is astounding. Well done!
The authorities got a search warrant for the farm. Where an innocent man lived. With absolutely zero evidence, because he was innocent.
Either the authorities lied to get the warrant, or the judge completely abandoned his oath to uphold the law, and the Constitution.
Oh goddddd when I tell you the level of pure venomous hatred I feel for this putrid creature…I would do things to him that would make Ted Bundy cringe. I HATE HIM. Little Jacob has always had a place in my heart
I just stumbled onto your channel. How refreshing! No overly dramatic narration, no long drawn out personal emotional outbursts or speculations. Love it. Just subscribed 👍
So horrific. I just feel awful for those parents, pure torture. I don’t know if I could have survived. As for the suspect, I guess all we can do is pray someone beats him to death in prison.
I totally agree with criminals having more rights than the victim. In some cases police do not listen to the victim.Irefer to drug dealers living next door.You live in misery while they are living the good life while all you.get is no support for 3years but keep getting evidence it's outrageous.Sayihng that this case is so sad,sad to say but this poor boy was let down by law inforcerment.from the start.The perp was in their hands.at the begining.The teacher was a scapegoat shame on what they put him through.Restvin the Lord's hands Jacob.
Your channel is getting ASTOUNDINGLY BETTER. It is obvious that you are thorough in your research and the editing is flawless. The sincerity and authenticity in which you told this story deeply impacted me. Much continued success to you Kevin. Rest with the angels precious Jacob.
Heartbreaking indeed😢