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The Jacob Wetterling abduction

How Heinrich could end up in civil commitment

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Danny Heinrich
Danny Heinrich
Courtesy of Sherburne County Jail

Danny Heinrich, the man who abducted, assaulted and then killed Jacob Wetterling in 1989, is 53 years old, which means he may very well be alive after his 20-year sentence is for the crime is up.

The prospect that he could be released after committing such a crime may be difficult for some to swallow, but prosecutors say they plan to move to civilly commit him after his term is up.

MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with Eric Janus, a professor at Mitchell Hamline Law School, to discuss how civil commitment for sex offenders works and what may happen to Heinrich after his prison sentence is over.

Click on the audio above to hear their conversation.