Minnesota Man Confesses to Killing of Jacob Wetterling

FILE - In this Aug. 28, 2009, file photo, Patty and Jerry Wetterling show a photo of their son Jacob Wetterling, who was abducted in October of 1989 in St. Joseph, Minn and is still missing, in Minneapolis. Patty Wetterling said Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016 that his remains have been found. Daniel Heinrich, who authorities have called a person of interest in the 1989 kidnapping, denied any involvement and was not charged with that crime. But he has pleaded not guilty to several federal child pornography charges. AP Photo/Craig Lassig, File

MINNEAPOLIS—A Minnesota man confessed Tuesday to abducting and killing 11-year-old Jacob Wetterling nearly 27 years ago, putting to rest a mystery that had haunted the state and led to changes in national sex offender laws.

Danny Heinrich made the admission as he pleaded guilty to federal child pornography charges that could put him behind bars for decades.

Asked whether he abducted, sexually assaulted and murdered Jacob, Heinrich said: “Yes I did.”

With Jacob’s parents, Patty and Jerry Wetterling, in the courtroom, Heinrich went on to relate details of the crime: how he donned a mask and confronted Jacob and two friends with a revolver near Jacob’s St. Joseph home on Oct. 22, 1989.

Danny Heinrich, of Minnesota. Sherburne County Sheriff's Office via AP