Patty Wetterling and Joy Baker share behind the scenes in the case of Jacob Wetterling
BRECKENRIDGE, MINN. (KVRR) — “It’s so important for me that we try and get ahead of this, so no other family has to go through the whole heartbreak of a missing child. And there’s some things that we can do, like being more watchful and knowing it’s not a typical stranger, but being watchful of who’s watching our children,” said Patty Wetterling, Mother and Author of Dear Jacob.
On Oct. 22, 1989, Jacob was taken by a masked gunman while he was riding his bike home with his younger brother and his friend. For years, many came to remember Jacob’s name and asked the question: Where is Jacob?
“Shortly after Jacob was abducted, probably within a few months, my brother, who is about two years younger than me, my dad took my brother and I down to St. Josef to help stuff flyers to be mailed out. And so we did that, and my dad bought both my brother and I the Jacob’s Hope T-shirts and the button. I have had the button ever since,” said Tertia Christensen.
With the aid of blogger Joy Baker, who followed the case in 2010, a suspect had been identified, and Jacob’s remains were soon found.
“I have one child, and we actually live rurally. And I brought her with me today. Living rurally, you should feel safe. We live on a farm, but I found myself like being very protective even though my husband lived on the same farm and he lived a very carefree life. It was hard for me to just let her live the same life he did because I knew what had happened to Jacob,” said Christensen.
Since the disappearance of her son, Patty has advocated for missing children by founding the Jacob Wetterling Resource Center and the Jacob Act that requires states to establish sex offender registries.
“I’m so eternally grateful for all who were there for us, not everybody has that kind of response, and we need to watch out for one another,” said Wetterling.
Dear Jacob: Author Visits with Patty Wetterling and Joy Baker, May 11-13:
Mahnomen Fire Hall, 124 S. Main St.
Tuesday, May 12 at 3:30 p.m.
Books will be available to purchase at the event.
Crookston Public Library, 110 N. Ash St.
Tuesday, May 12 at 7 p.m.
Books will be available to purchase at the event courtesy of Silver Dawn Books
Bagley American Legion, 112 Main Ave N, Bagley, MN
Wednesday, May 13 at 2 p.m.
Books will be available to purchase at the event courtesy of Four Pines Bookstore.
Detroit Lakes Public Library, 1000 Washington Ave.
Wednesday, May 13 at 6 p.m.
Books will be available to purchase at the event courtesy of Bluebird Books.
