Multiple, Unconscionable Crimes
In my mind if not in the eyes of the criminal justice system, Jacob Wetterling’s murderer is guilty of not one but two, equally heinous crimes: 1) abducting, molesting, and killing 11 year-old Jacob Wetterling in 1989; and 2) lying about his knowledge of the boy’s whereabouts for 27 years, thereby denying closure and a modicum of peace to his long-suffering parents, family, and friends.
So much for remorse.
What will happen now to murderer Danny Heinrich is much less significant than the relief, however delayed and painful, afforded the Wetterling family.
But, not a few Minnesotans (myself included) are left incredulous that Heinrich could trade his knowledge of Jacob Wetterling’s demise and burial location for a plea deal that escapes Heinrich being charged for murder (apparently, Heinrich plead guilty to one, unrelated charge of child pornography, that carries a 20 year maximum sentence).
Wasn’t there another way for him to “die” for what he did. It seems so unjust.
mom