FARGO (KFGO) - A Fargo defense lawyer says the plea deal that will send Danny Heinrich to prison for 20 years was the best and only option to resolve the kidnapping and murder of Jacob Wetterling.
Heinrich pleaded guilty to an unrelated child pornography charge and will not be charged in the Wetterling 1989 kidnapping, sexual assault or murder.
Mark Friese of the Vogel Law Firm was a guest on KFGO News & Views with Joel Heitkamp.
"We've got a 27 year-old case, we have Mr. Heinrich involved in this, we'll find Jacob," said Friese, a former Bismarck police officer. "We have no witnesses other than two boys who saw a masked man abduct their friend and brother," continued Friese.
Friese says the plea deal includes indefinite civil commitment after Heinrich serves his time in federal prison. He says he'll likely die in custody. Wetterling's parents were included in the negotiations that led to the agreement and gave their approval.