WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - The Kansas Department of Corrections confirmed the man convicted of kidnapping 9-year-old Nancy Shoemaker has died.

A spokesperson for KDOC says Donald Wacker died Friday of natural causes. Shoemaker's family was notified of his death Thursday morning.

ALSO READ: Family of 9-year-old raped and killed in 1990 asking for help as killer now up for parole hearing 

Wacker was convicted for his role in the kidnapping of the Wichita girl in July 1990. Nancy Shoemaker disappeared while walking to a convenience store near her home. Her disappearance sparked massive searches in the Wichita area. 

Wacker was sentenced to 16 years to life and first became eligible for parole in December 1999. 

In 2021, Wacker was released from prison. Authorities at the time said he would be living in and supervised in the Kansas City, Kansas area.

Wacker's accomplice, Doil Lane, is serving life in prison for Nancy's murder. He is also serving time for the killing of a young girl in Texas.  

RELATED: KDOC confirms man who kidnapped Nancy Shoemaker has been released 

 
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