At a Friday press conference, authorities provided new details on the abduction and escape ofJayme Closs, the 13-year-old Wisconsin girl who was rescued Thursday night after being abducted in October.
Police have charged 21-year-oldJake Thomas Pattersonof Gordon, Wisconsin with two counts of first-degree intentional homicide and one of kidnapping. Patterson is accused ofkilling Jayme’ parents— James, 56, and Denise Closs, 46 — inside a home on the outskirts of Barron, Wisconsin, before abducting the teen, holding her captive for nearly three months before she managed to escape and find help Thursday.
Discussing Jayme’s escape,Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgeraldsaid, “The suspect was not at home when Jayme escaped. We believe the suspect was out looking for her when law enforcement made contact with him. He was in his vehicle driving around.
“[Jayme] was on foot and was not very far” from the home, where there was running water and electricity, Fitzgerald added.
Barron County Sheriff’s Dept; Abducted - Find Jayme Closs/Facebook
Officials explained in Friday morning’s briefing that Patterson was not on the radar of investigators and had no criminal history in Wisconsin. He is currently in the Barron County Jail and police are not looking for additional suspects.
Investigators believe Jayme likely witnessed the killings before being abducted.
Fitzgerald added, “Jayme is the hero in this case, there’s no question about it. She’s the one who helped us break the case.”
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Jayme was rescued on Thursday afternoon after escaping her alleged captor and approached awoman with a dog for helpjust outside of Gordon, Wisconsin,according to theStar-Tribune.
Jeanne Nutter.KARE 11
Patterson is scheduled to appear in court on Monday to enter a plea. It was unclear if he had a lawyer who could comment on his behalf.
source: people.com
