True Crime Brewery contains disturbing content related to real-life crimes.

Medical information is opinion based on facts of a crime and should not be interpreted as medical advice or treatment. Listener discretion is advised.

Welcome to True Crime Burree. I'm Jill. And I'm Dick. Today's show is a fascinating case that

involves adoption law, mental illness, and sadly, child abuse. I'm giving

a trigger warning for anyone who's especially sensitive to crimes against young children.

As always, here at the brewery, we're not planning to focus on the horrible details of the crime

itself, but more on the people involved and what really made them tick.

But there's no question that this case will disturb you and will stay with you.

But maybe that's a good thing because children like Dennis should never be forgotten.

More than anything, we'll be telling the story from a perspective of sociology,

protecting the vulnerable,

and what it really means to be human. Of course, Dick will help us also with the medical evidence from the perspective of an experienced pediatrician. So let's take one deep breath and onward.

Dennis Juergens was a chubby, joyful, and active toddler when Harold and

Lois Jurgens adopted him in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Unable to have children of their own,

Lois and Harold adopted several children over the years. Dennis wasn't their first or last.

From the very beginning, caseworkers from the

adoption agency had their concerns about whether Lois would accept Dennis. But, you know,

homes were scarce and there was nothing factually wrong that would prevent the placement.

The signing of the adoption papers sealed Dennis's fate. Join us today for the

terrible and totally preventable case of Dennis Juergens. One cold and wet Sunday morning, a local

doctor responded to a call from Harold Juergens, who said, I think my son is dying. When Dr. Peterson

arrived, he found a three-year-old's body, long dead and clearly beaten.

...