Press release - Series
July 16, 2026
‘20/20’ SPEAKS TO THE VICTIM WHO HELPED SOLVE THE SHOCKING KIDNAPPING OF 11-YEAR-OLD JACOB WETTERLING, AIRING FRIDAY, JULY 17, ON ABC AND STREAMING NEXT DAY ON DISNEY+ AND HULU
Co-Anchor Deborah Roberts Reports on the Nearly Three-Decade-Long Police Investigation and Jacob’s Parents’ Inspirational Journey of Hope

In 1989, 11-year-old Jacob Wetterling was biking home with his brother and best friend when a masked, armed man abducted him just a half mile from his home. This Friday, “20/20” reports on Minnesota’s most notorious kidnapping case and speaks to Jared Scheierl, who at age 12 was abducted by the same man who would kidnap Jacob Wetterling months later. DNA found on Scheierl’s clothing led authorities to a suspect who made a stunning confession 27 years later. Co-Anchor Deborah Roberts sits down with Jacob’s parents, Patty and Jerry Wetterling, as well as blogger Joy Baker, whose research helped push for a new review of the case. “20/20: Where Are You Jacob?” airs FRIDAY, JULY 17 (9:00-11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC and streams next day on Disney+ and Hulu.
The program features interviews with Jacob’s friends, law enforcement and prosecutors, as well as scenes from the new documentary “Echoes in the Night: The Search for Jacob Wetterling,” directed by Chris Newberry. “20/20” also documents Patty Wetterling and Baker as they co-write a book about the disappearance, “Dear Jacob: A Mother’s Journey of Hope.”
ABC News’ “20/20” is the No. 1 award-winning primetime program anchored by David Muir and Deborah Roberts. A proven leader as a long-form newsmagazine for over 45 years, “20/20” features unforgettable, character-driven true-crime mysteries, exclusive newsmaker interviews, hard-hitting investigative reports, and in-depth coverage of high-profile stories. Janice Johnston is the executive producer. The two-hour “20/20” events air Fridays from 9-11 p.m. ET on ABC and are available to stream on ABC News digital platforms, Disney+ and Hulu.
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