A podcast interview with Jared

Posted by joy.the.curious on February 8, 2015 in Jacob | 6 comments

A few weeks ago, I sat down with Jared to review this past year… which was a wild one for both of us. What started as a casual meeting over beer and pizza in August of 2013 ballooned into a widespread investigation, with media coverage that far exceeded either of our wildest imaginations.

We met five days after the 26th anniversary of his abduction from Cold Spring, Minnesota which took place on January 13th, 1989. It was just nine months before Jacob Wetterling’s abduction on October 22nd of the same year, and because of their similarities, investigators have always indicated that the two cases are likely connected.

But, rather than just write Jared’s story, I decided to try something a little different this time. I wanted to get Jared talking in his own words for two reasons… one, because I believe he has an important story to tell… and two, because I wanted to give credit where credit is due. His willingness to share his story, talk to victims, and work with law enforcement to kick-start this investigation has brought a renewed energy to not only his own case, but to Jacob’s and the Paynesville cases, as well.

So, without further ado… here’s the first official podcast from joy.the.curious.

(Brought to you by Mail Chimp. Haha. If you’re a Serial fan, you get it.)

Next time

The party in the woods

6 Comments

1. Amy | February 9, 2015 at 12:33 pm

   As a survivor of sexual abuse, I hope you know how many people you are helping with PTSD. When Jared stated one of the reasons for his survival was being completely engrossed in his work, I didn’t even realize I may be doing the same thing. Stay brave and courageous for all of us not strong enough to speak. We are listening and healing slowly.

2. jbrown | February 9, 2015 at 1:01 pm

   from my research, I believe the man who kidnapped Jacob was not the same man who kidnapped Jared- but they were in the same group. Be careful Joy! Keep stirring the pot, but be cautious!

3. Julie Tremp | February 9, 2015 at 1:30 pm

   jbrown, I think you’re right. I think Stearns county has a problem, and I fear for the safety of kids in the area. I hope parents are hyper-vigilant, and do not allow their kids to go anywhere alone.

   Jared, thank you for your courage and commitment in trying to resolve this case. I know this has to be very difficult, and you’re a pretty amazing man. My husband said you inspire him with your strength and fortitude. Being a victim himself, he had a very difficult time for many years, but he wasn’t understanding why until more recently. He had been in denial for over 35 years.

4. anon | February 10, 2015 at 7:18 pm

   There is a thing I always found very troubling: the guy who took Jacob has always been described as somehow choosing between the 3 boys – he asked their age, and looked at their faces. If it was someone who knew the boys, or followed them, or saw them before, wouldn’t he have known that? He didn’t seem to be targeting Jacob, but “chose” him on the spot. On the other hand, the guy who took Jared seemed very anxious not to be recognized or identified. Maybe he was local, or knew Jared. It seems like a big difference to me. Maybe he was closer to home when he took Jared. But I tend to think it was an opportunity thing in both cases: he saw isolated boys and took his chance.

   By the way, I find Jared very courageous. It is so rare to hear man victims of sexual assault talk about it, it is very important.

5. Sherm | February 23, 2015 at 9:25 am

   I would also guess this person was a local and their meeting was just a chance encounter. Perhaps he was out for a late night jog and heard the boys approaching in the distance and hid in the grass to get a better look. He wouldn…t have had much time to change clothes and get the car ready to put his well-practiced plan into action so he would have to live very close. He would also know, upon releasing the boys, that authorities would be arriving soon although a couple of hours may have actually passed from the time of the kidnapping (9:15) to the time Mr. Rassier (neighbor) first noticed someone searching in his yard and phoned 911 (11:37?).

   After learning of the possible links between Jared and Jacob, did the authorities do a thorough search of the property where Jared was believed to be taken? It would stand to reason that this place may have been identified well in advance and contingencies already in place in the event the victim recognized the attacker.

   Great job, BTW, on keeping the search going!

6. Justice for Jacob | March 5, 2015 at 1:12 am

   I truly believe the person who Jared is referring to started out in Paynesville, grew in confidence throughout his military experience and instead of stalking boys by the river in Paynesville, found a spot in the woods in St Joseph and saw Jacob and the boys walking to the store that night and had his car parked somewhere around the area. At first I did not think the Paynesville and Jacobs abductor was the same person bc the Paynesville attacker seemed like a perverted coward running around and scaring boys. But once I heard he went to the military and was in Vietnam… My whole perspective changed. I do believe you are right Jared on who it is. Now let’s pray the authorities go talk to this mans cell mates and dig up the information needed to bring Jacob home and finally receive justice for Jacob and his family. God has his hand on this… It’s just going to take an experienced investigator to put the puzzle pieces together strong enough for a conviction and prayerfully a confession.