Murder of Dennis Jurgens
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Dennis Jurgens | |
|---|---|
| Born | Dennis Craig Puckett December 6, 1961 blunt force trauma |
| Known for | Murder victim |
Dennis Craig Jurgens (December 6, 1961 – April 11, 1965) was an American 3-year-old boy who was
Early history
Dennis Jurgens was born Dennis Craig Puckett in
Murder conviction and sentence
The St. Paul Pioneer Press ran a cover story about the investigation on Sunday, October 12, 1986. Though the name of the adoptive family was not given, many suspected that the story was about Lois Jurgens. Sherwood's tenacity, along with the tragedy of her personal loss, kept the story in the public eye. Eventually Lois Jurgens was arraigned, and her identity released by the media.
Jurgens' other adopted son, Robert, testified at the trial, at which Lois Jurgens (then in her 60s) was convicted of
The investigation, trial, and conviction are considered landmarks in the history of child abuse law.
Aftermath
In popular culture
- Barry Siegel's true crime book A Death in White Bear Lake details the murder of Dennis Jurgens.
- The 1992 NBC television film A Child Lost Forever told the story from the perspective of Jerry Sherwood (played by Beverly D'Angelo).
- A play, The Jurgens File, by Brian Vinero, examined the story from the perspective of the community.
See also
References
- ^ "The Murder Of Dennis Jurgens". The Odyssey Online. 2017-07-19. Retrieved 2019-04-23.
- ^ "A woman was convicted Friday of third-degree murder in..." UPI. Retrieved 2019-04-23.
Bibliography
- A Death in White Bear Lake by Barry Siegel. Published by Bantam Books, 1990.
- Star Tribune article "Jurgens Seeks Seclusion After Release From Prison," published June 7, 1995, Metro Section Page 1B.
- Various other articles from the Star Tribune running between May and June 1987, including "Jurgens Found Sane, Sent to Prison," "Brother Tells of Dennis Jurgens' Beatings," "Jurgens Trial Inspires Birth Mother's Mission" and "Jurgens Relatives Testify She Abused Adopted Son"
- Twin Cities Magazine article "A Mother's Love, Jerry Sherwood in Her Own Words" February 1988 edition.
- Los Angeles Times article "Child Murder: A Town Confronts Its Past," part of a series entitled "Death of a Child, Justice Delayed" by Barry Siegel.
- 60 Minutes piece "No One Saved Dennis" reported by Diane Sawyer, 1988.