I was only 6 years old when Jacob Wetterling was taken, but I remember hearing about it. I also remember how much his case and story dominated my life as I grew up. I am sure many around the world heard his story even before the world wide web, but being born and raised in Minnesota made it all the closer to home. We were on the front line and always got the news and the updates as we went.
October 22nd 1989 is the day that Jacob was taken and died.
It was only this last week in Sept of 2016 that his family finally got some closure. The details were hard to read when they came out but I made sure I did. Why? Because Jacob deserves to have his whole story known. Jacob had to be truly terrified with everything that was done to him before he died. It is truly horrifying but the story deserves to be known. So that Jacob will be remembered and what was done to him will be remembered.
When the vile man who sexually abused and killed Jacob finally admitted it and told authorities where to find his body final steps were taken to bring Jacob home. Authorities sifted through the dirt of where they were told Jacob now rested ( he was moved a year after he was murdered by his killer) it took them sometime. First they found small bits of bone, a red hockey jacket with no name on it. Then they found it a shirt with a name on the back Wetterling. Solid proof they had finally found Jacob at last. Reports from authorities said nearly everyone working had to gently place a hand on it, that it became real then. Until then some perhaps still held out hope Jacob was alive somewhere.
You will notice I have not put the killers name in my post so far and I won’t. Names give power and I will not give him anymore power then that he already took. What he did to Jacob deserves for him to never be thought of again as a human being. What really amazes me about this is that it was a blogger ( and others too yes ) who really kept on things who really pushed and pushed and pushed to bring Jacob home.
It is deeply saddening that this is the end result, but at least Jacob can now come home. Jacob’s family can now have some closure. That is at least something. Jacob can have a proper burial, a place where his family can go and remember him and not wonder if perhaps he is out there somewhere. There is a memorial planned on Sept. 25th and I am sure there will be a huge turn out.
Rest now Jacob your earthly remains have been given name. You can rest in the afterlife knowing justice will be served and your spirit can be at ease.
