Jake Thomas Patterson, 21, was identified Friday morning as the man who allegedly kidnapped 13-year-old Jayme Closs and murdered her parents on October 15 in Barron County, Wisconsin. Authorities announced his arrest at a press conference. He is currently being held at the local jail.
The arrest comes after authorities searched for her for almost three months. Authorities said Closs was found over in Douglas County. Douglas County Sheriff Thomas Dalbec told reporters that a woman walking her dog came discovered Closs and told a neighbor. 911 was called, and deputies identified the girl, he said. A patrol sergeant found a vehicle matching the description provided by Closs, and authorities soon apprehended the suspect.
Deputies announced on Thursday that Closs was found, after Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald dismissed a false alarm over in Walworth County. He said that had nothing to do with their missing person’s case.
Closs went declared missing October 15, 2018 after a 911 call was made from her residence, but authorities aren’t saying who made the call.
[Mugshot via Barron County Sheriff’s Department]