Ep. 058 | The Murder of Jacob Wetterling

Jacob Erwin Wetterling was an 11‑year‑old boy from St. Joseph, Minnesota who was kidnapped at gunpoint on October 22, 1989, while riding his bicycle home with his brother and a friend. His disappearance touched the nation and sparked frantic searches, media coverage, and advocacy from his parents, Jerry and Patty Wetterling, who went on to found the Jacob Wetterling Foundation and help pass the federal. For nearly 27 years, the case remained unsolved until 2016, when Danny Heinrich confessed to abducting, sexually assaulting, and murdering Jacob, finally leading authorities to his remains buried near Paynesville, Minnesota. Jacob’s tragic story profoundly impacted child safety laws in the U.S., and continues to remind communities of both the dangers children face and the enduring power of hope and advocacy.

Donate to Season of Justice

Find us on socials:

Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠A Trial by Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠@atrialbypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠@atrialbypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Theme Music:

https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/mr-mischief

License code: MOYK9CTUWGH7BLCS

DISCLAIMER

This podcast (and all related media*) is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, we cannot guarantee its completeness or veracity. Our sources are thoroughly researched, and we strive to use credible, publicly available information. However, this podcast should not be considered a definitive or legal authority on the topics discussed.

Much to their parents’ dismay, neither host is a lawyer, journalist, investigator, or any sort of authority figure. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts are personal and should not be taken as fact. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and draw their own conclusions.

This podcast is not intended to harm, slander, or defame any individuals, groups, or organizations. All individuals discussed are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

You can find the list of sources used for each episode on our website, atrialbypodcast.com, within 30 days of the episode publish date.

If you have any questions or concerns about the content, feel free to reach out to our team at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠atrialbypodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

*Related media may include website content, social media posts, TikTok videos (“Unsettling Story Time”), interviews, media appearances, and more.