by Dennis Dalman
editor@thenewsleaders.com
A 53-year-old Annandale man was arrested last summer for possessing child pornography. Possibly as part of a plea agreement, Danny Heinrich reportedly led investigators last week to Paynesville where they found Jacob Wetterling’s remains.
Heinrich confessed to kidnapping and fatally shooting the then 11-year-old boy from St. Joseph as he pleaded guilty to child pornography charges in a federal court in Minneapolis on Tuesday.
In a message Monday to the media, Jacob’s mom, Patty, said she and her family are “eager to talk to the media as soon as we are able.”
The statement was released by Alison Feigh, program manager for the Jacob Wetterling Resource Center in Minneapolis.
But, at this time, the Wetterlings are not ready to discuss the developments in the case with the media.
“The Wetterlings,” said Patty in the statement, “are deeply grieving and are pulling our family together.”
The Wetterlings have received widespread condolences and support since the news was announced last Saturday that Jacob’s remains had been found buried in a pasture near Paynesville.
Many have asked how they can help the Wetterling family through such a sorrowful time. This is what Patty conveyed through Alison Feigh:
“Everyone wants to know what they can do to help us.
Say a prayer.
Light a candle.
Be with friends.
Play with your children.
Giggle.
Hold hands.
Eat ice cream.
Create joy.
Help your neighbor.
That is what will bring me comfort today.”
Jacob Wetterling was only 11 years old when he was abducted in 1989.
