Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald said she survived the traumatic ordeal because of her resolve and bravery. “It’s amazing, the will of that 13-year-old girl to survive and escape — and that comes from the hopes and the prayers of this community,” he shared. “Thank you to Jayme for having the will to survive.”
More information on the murders and abduction would be offered at a press conference set for 4 p.m. local time.
Abducted - Find Jayme Closs/Facebook
Patterson, who has never before been arrested, was holding Jayme inside the home he was raised in, investigators said Friday. He was apprehended 10 minutes after Jayme reappeared on Thursday.
He remains the sole suspect in this case.
Jayme was rescued on Thursday afternoon after escaping her alleged captor and approaching awoman with a dog for helpjust outside of Gordon, Wisconsin,according to theStar-Tribune.
Her parents had been shot to death and investigators confirmed Friday that Jayme witnessed the killings before being abducted. They said shortly afterward she was not considered a suspect.
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Barron County Sheriff’s Department.
Her parents’ bodies were found after police received a troubling 911 call from their home.
Nobody spoke during the 911 call, but a disturbance could be heard. When police subsequently arrived at the family home, they found the parents dead but no sign of Jayme.
According to authorities, Jayme was cleared medically Friday morning, and will be reunited with her relatives later today. The teen will live with her aunt, Jennifer Smith — Jayme’s mother’s sister and legal guardian — a close friend of Jayme Closs‘ aunttold PEOPLEon Friday.
Investigators continue to speak to Jayme, and are still learning more about her frightening ordeal, Fitzgerald said.
Patterson has not appeared in court to enter a plea. It was unclear if he had a lawyer who could comment on his behalf.
source: people.com
