The Murder Of Dennis Jurgens
Start writing a post

The Murder Of Dennis Jurgens

The story of a life lost forever.

3243
The Murder Of Dennis Jurgens
Find A Grave

If you've been living under a rock for the past 52 years and don't know who Dennis Jurgens or his story, let me catch you up to speed. Dennis was born Dennis Craig Puckett on December 6, 1961 in Sauk Centre, Minnesota to Jerry Sherwood and her boyfriend Dennis Puckett. However, because she was a ward of the sate and unwed, the authorities urged Jerry to place Dennis up for adoption, assuring her he'd be well taken care of.

After being in foster care, Dennis was adopted by the Jurgens, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, a suburb of Saint Paul. Harold Robert and Lois were his adoptive parents. They had another child from a previous adoption who they named Robert, but when Dennis came to live with them, Lois instantly disliked him. Within months of living with the Jurgens, Dennis was rushed to the hospital with second-degree burns on his penis, which was reported as "accidental." As the years went on, the abuse Dennis endured got worse and worse, and he would be covered in numerous bruises, but of course, Lois claimed she had no idea how he got the bruises.

Lois made Robert and Dennis recite the Rosary every night, and of course, because in her eyes, Robert was the "good son" and recited it flawlessly, while Dennis had to do it while kneeling on a broomstick, until Lois thought he did it as well as Robert. Sadly, Robert was the only witness to Dennis's abuse, and because he was only five around the time of the abuse, he couldn't do anything to stop it and help his brother.

The night Dennis died, Robert was riding his trike in the basement, and all the sudden he heard Dennis screaming. He saw his mother throw Dennis down the basement stairs then begin to hit and kick him as he lay in the floor screaming. As he was screaming, Lois kicked him in the stomach, and that blow to the stomach killed him. About 16 years after his death, Jerry wanted to see her son, only to find out he had died when he was only 3 and a half years old.

During the time of his death, not much was known about child abuse, until Jerry reopened her son's case. Lois was finally charged with child abuse leading to death, thanks to her eldest son, Robert who testified against her. Lois only served eight years of her sentence. After her release, she lived a quiet life as a widow, she later died on May 7, 2013 at the age of 87.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

113292
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments