Emotional Wounds from Wetterling Case Still Fresh for Local People

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As you can imagine the news was shocking to many in our area who have followed this case for decades.

People in Downtown Fargo were shocked in a good way about the new findings in this case.

It has been 26 years since Jacob’s kidnapping.

“It’s weird, my husband and I were coming from St. Cloud a couple of weeks ago. As we went through the area we said, ‘Well, they ever have an answer?'” says Aimee Anderson.

Decades later, officials are giving the Wetterling family a glimmer of hope with the arrest of Danny Heinrich on child porn charges.

This development has reopened wounds for people that empathize with the Wetterlings.

“I just could not believe that they finally think they might have the person who did whatever he did,” says Anderson.

It has been many years but many have not forgotten about the missing Minnesotan boy.

“They haven’t forgotten about Jacob Wetterling. That’s nice to know,” says one person we interviewed.

“I would just hope that this is a step in bringing resolution to all of their anguish,” says another person we interviewed.

Parents of Jacob, Patty and Jerry Wetterling released a statement saying:

The Wetterling family would like to thank all involved in the investigation of Danny Heinrich and his crimes against children. The search for Jacob is an ongoing investigation and we will watch and learn with everyone else. Right now we know what is being reported. We know what you all know. For 26 long years, we have said that somebody knew something. If you know anything about this man, his ties to St. Joseph in 1989 and his victimization of children or since, please call the Stearns County Sheriff’s Department at 320-259-3700 or 320-656-6625.We also need to point out the obvious. Child pornography is devastating, harmful criminal activity. If you know of anyone who is engaged in looking at, producing or sharing child pornography, please call the police or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (1-800-THE-LOST) so that these people do not harm another child. We are so grateful the prayers, the support and the hope shared in our search for Jacob and the search for answers. Who took Jacob? Where is he? What happened? Today we ask for a little time. We will be available for comment next week but ask for some space at this point in time. We have no further comment.

With hope, Patty and Jerry Wetterling

They have asked for some space at this time, but will be available for comments next week.