Is Danny Heinrich Still Alive? The Story of the Child Predator Who Abducted and Killed Jacob Wetterl

Publish date: 2024-06-30

In the late 1980s, Danny James Heinrich emerged as a notorious figure due to his involvement in a series of heinous crimes, including the abduction, sexual assault, and murder of 11-year-old Jacob Wetterling in 1989. This article delves into the life of Danny Heinrich, his crimes, and his current status.

Who is Danny Heinrich?

Danny James Heinrich, born in 1963, spent his early years in Paynesville, Minnesota, leading a seemingly ordinary life. There was nothing remarkable or unusual about his childhood, and his family noticed no significant red flags. However, this façade would soon unravel.

In the mid to late 1980s, Heinrich became involved in a series of horrifying sexual abuse incidents in Minnesota, targeting young boys who were either alone or with friends.

His modus operandi typically involved approaching these boys in his car under the pretense of seeking directions, only to forcibly abduct them, taking them to secluded areas where he subjected them to sexual abuse, often accompanied by threats of violence or death. In some tragic cases, he didn’t release his victims, choosing instead to end their lives.

What did he do to Jacob Wetterling and Jared Scheierl?

Heinrich’s criminal activities came to public attention when he confessed to the abduction and sexual abuse of Jared Scheierl in January 1989. A 12-year-old Jared was walking back home from a cafe in Cold Spring, Minnesota when Heinrich approached him, feigning the need for directions.

However, he swiftly turned violent, forcing Jared into his vehicle, transporting him to an isolated area, and subjecting him to sexual abuse. Miraculously, Heinrich eventually released him, with a chilling warning not to look back. Despite Jared and his parents reporting the incident to authorities, the assailant remained unidentified.

Tragically, Heinrich’s crimes escalated further in October 1989 when he kidnapped and brutally murdered 11-year-old Jacob Wetterling. Jacob was cycling home from a video rental store in St. Joseph, Minnesota, accompanied by his brother and a friend, when Heinrich ambushed them.

He forced them to lie face down on the road, inquired about their names, ages, and genders, and then sent Jacob’s companions fleeing into the woods under the threat of violence. Heinrich subsequently sexually assaulted Jacob and fatally shot him before burying his body in a shallow grave nearby.

How was he caught?

Heinrich had been a person of interest in both cases since the outset of investigations. Tire tracks and a shoe print discovered at Jacob’s abduction scene matched those of Heinrich’s car and shoes, and there were similarities in the descriptions provided by Jared and Jacob regarding their attacker. Nevertheless, the evidence initially proved insufficient for an arrest or charges. While Heinrich was questioned repeatedly over the years, he consistently denied any involvement.

His downfall came in 2015 when police searched his residence in connection with a child pornography investigation. They unearthed an extensive collection of child pornography images and videos on his computer and hard drives, alongside DNA evidence linking him to Jared’s case.

Heinrich was consequently arrested on child pornography charges and offered a plea deal: if he confessed to Jacob’s case and revealed the location of Jacob’s remains, he would avoid murder prosecution and receive a 20-year sentence for child pornography.

Heinrich accepted the deal and, in September 2016, confessed to both crimes in court. He publicly apologized to Jacob’s family and expressed remorse for his actions. Additionally, he led authorities to Jacob’s grave, which was found on a farm near Paynesville. There, they recovered Jacob’s remains, jacket, and t-shirt.

Where is he now?

As of now, Danny Heinrich is serving his 20-year sentence at a federal prison in Boston, Massachusetts. His anticipated release is scheduled for March 2033. However, it’s important to note that he may not be released upon completing his sentence, as the plea agreement stipulates his potential civil commitment as a sexual predator after his prison term concludes. A court will decide this based on psychological evaluations and other relevant factors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Danny Heinrich’s name is indelibly associated with the abduction and murder of Jacob Wetterling, among other crimes. His confession and cooperation, while providing closure and justice for the victims’ families, also raise questions about missed opportunities for his earlier apprehension and prevention of further harm to children.