13-year-old Wisconsin girl escapes abduction, kidnapper charged

Vivian Reyes, Staff Writer

Jayme Closs was abducted from her family’s home October 15, 2018 in Barron, Wisconsin. An attacker forced his way into the Closs family home where he shot and killed her father and mother. Jayme Closs was thirteen years old when found in her family’s home during the time her parents were shot and killed. Jayme was taken to a nearby cabin and was then held hostage for 88 days. Jayme being only thirteen years old was frightened having no information on where she was or what condition she was in.  

When she escaped to ask for help, she knocked on many doors pleading for help. Until she came across a woman who was walking her dog. The woman recognized the young girl from news reports and immediately took her to a nearby home to contact police officials. The town was fairly small meaning everyone slightly knew each other making the appearance of Jayme sound as a miracle story. With the escape, Jayme knew exactly who killed her parents and where she was kept hostage for many days.  

Jayme Closs, 13, escaped a cabin in Washington where officials say she was held captive by Jake Thomas Patterson (Photo: AP)

The suspect in custody is Jake Thomas Patterson who was at fault for the murder and abduction of Jayme and her parents James and Denise Closs. The neighbors that knew Patterson stated that “he was shy and quiet, backed away from crowds and was always to himself”. Since the founding of Jayme, Patterson has appeared in court and was charged with two counts of first-degree intentional homicide and one count of kidnapping.  

Many people state that the recovery of the kidnapped survivor is a miracle and that she is a hero because of her bravery to not give up on escaping the hostage going on for 88 days. Although the family fought every day to receive more answers on the disappearance of Jayme Closs they never gave up. Her family knew that she was a strong young woman and could find her way back home. This shows that with others missing out there is still hope. As for now, Jayme Closs is finally home safe and her family is very happy and blessed for her return home.