Authorities say Wisconsin girl escaped a man who killed her parents and held her captive for three months

This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

The grandfather of a 13-year-old Jayme Closs, the girl from north-western Wisconsin who authorities say escaped a man who killed her parents and held her captive for three months, said on Sunday she’s in “exceptionally good spirits”.

Jayme Closs: authorities search for motive in 'tragic' kidnapping case Read more

On Thursday, Jayme fled the cabin near the small town of Gordon where she said she had been imprisoned. She approached a woman walking a dog and asked for her help.

Police officers arrested 21-year-old Jake Thomas Patterson minutes later, based on Jayme’s description of his vehicle. Authorities are holding Patterson on suspicion of kidnapping and homicide.

Little has been revealed about Jayme’s ordeal since her abduction in mid-October, although more details could come on Monday when Patterson is expected to be charged and make his first appearance in court.

Jayme’s grandfather, Robert Naiberg, said that considering the circumstances, the teen is holding up.

“She’s doing exceptionally well for what she went through,” Naiberg said. “She’s in exceptionally good spirits.”

On Sunday, local churchgoers said their prayers were answered by Jayme’s safe return.

“We are overjoyed and we couldn’t be happier. It’s a miracle and it’s wonderful,” Mary Haas told the Minneapolis Star Tribune while taking down Christmas decorations after Mass at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Barron. “We prayed and prayed and prayed.”

Jayme has been staying with an aunt in Barron since she escaped.

“It’s a great day up in our area,” said Larry Leff at St Peter’s Catholic Church in nearby Cameron. “God answered all our prayers.”

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An intruder blasted open the door of James and Denise Closs’ home near Barron on 15 October. He killed the couple and abducted their daughter. While investigators have said Patterson’s goal was to kidnap Jayme, he has no apparent prior connection to the family.

Naiberg said Jayme told FBI agents she did not know Patterson.

Patterson’s attorneys, Charles Glynn and Richard Jones, said in a statement they consider the situation “very tragic” and are relying on the court system to treat their client fairly.

Barron county sheriff Chris Fitzgerald told reporters Patterson took measures to avoid leaving evidence at the Closs family’s home, including shaving his head before breaking in. A shotgun was recovered from the cabin, which Patterson’s father owned.