In a confession that ended a 27-year-old Minnesota mystery, Danny Heinrich, 53, admitted to abducting, molesting, and murdering 11-year-old Jacob Wetterling in 1989. As one of the most high profile child abduction cases in Minnesota history and the nation, the incident changed the lives of many throughout the state. It also lead to the passing of a federal law that required states to establish sex offender registries.
The confession and details of the crime came as Heinrich pleaded guilty to federal child pornography charges carrying 20 years in prison and the possibility of a civil commitment following the sentence. As part of the plea agreement, which was reviewed by the Wetterling family, Heinrich will not face state charges for murder. Prosecutors stated this approach enabled them to elicit a confession and find the boy’s remains.
Tamburino Law Group , P.A. Partner Joe Tamburino has been sharing his insight with media sources throughout the state since the investigation into Heinrich was recently renewed. Over the past week and days, Attorney Tamburino has spoken with numerous news outlets about the case, its impact on state and federal law, and issues such as plea deals.
View a CBS segment on the case featuring Attorney Tamburino below: