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Wetterlings won't appeal decision to release documents

After nearly 30 years, the case file from the Jacob Wetterling kidnapping and murder will soon be made public.
Credit: KARE
Patty Wetterling

It's been nearly 30 years since Jacob Wetterling was kidnapped and murdered by Danny Heinrich, who's now serving time in prison.

KARE 11 has now learned that all of the files from that decades-long investigation will be released publicly.

Last year the Wetterlings sued the Stearns County Sheriff, hoping to block the release of certain documents they felt were too sensitive.

In April, a Minnesota judge ruled that all information should become public.

On Saturday, Patty Wetterling told KARE 11 they will not appeal that ruling, and will have a family statement soon.

There's no exact date yet for when the files will be released.

Credit: Dave Schwarz, St. Cloud Times
County employees and investigators in the Jacob Wetterling case review thousands of documents in the case file Thursday, Nov. 17, in the Wetterling Room at the Stearns County Law Enforcement Center.

Jacob was 11 years old when he was kidnapped from St. Joseph in October 1989. He was missing until 2016, when Danny Heinrich admitted to killing him and burying his body in Paynesville.

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