Weeks after the man responsible for the death of Jacob Wetterling showed authorities the remains of the child who had been missing for almost three decades, a public memorial was held for the victim. His family showed photos of him when he was still young years before he was abducted, sexually assaulted, and killed.
The parents of Wetterling, Patty and Jerry, were joined by 3,600 people. The service was held at the College of St. Benedict in Minneapolis, the hometown of Wetterling, according to CBS. As for further reports, the parents of Wetterling did not want the public memorial to be about his death but about his "short powerful life."
Wetterling's family showed photos of the victim when he was still a child. A slideshow played on stage and in one of the photos, Wetterling was seen parroting his father for a Father's Day surprise.
Moreover, Wetterling's sister Amy also talked at the public memorial. She shared that when her brother was taken, she was only 13 years old and she needed her friends. She added that she continued to rely on the support that her friends have given her throughout the years.
"Jacob's caring heart ... continues to be felt through each of you, we are and always will be Jacob's hope," Amy Wetterling said. Wetterling's brother also spoke up about how he loves Wetterling and that he has changed his life forever, ABC 5 reported.
The parents of Wetterling also addressed other parents who are searching for their children. They also called out children who have the courage to come forward and report their abuse.
During the public memorial, Governor Mark Dayton and other notable public officials were seen. Dayton released a statement following the public memorial, saying that it is a difficult time for Minnesotans in general as the tragedy surrounding Wetterling affected everyone. Dayton declared Oct. 22, 2016 the "Jacob Wetterling Day."
Wetterling was out with his brother and a friend and were on their bikes when he was abducted. The three boys were coming home from a video rental store on Oct. 22, 1989. He was kidnapped at gunpoint and his killer, was arrested only last year due to child pornography charges. As part of a plea deal, the suspect detailed the killing of Jacob and what he did to the boy before he was killed.
