James Closs, aged 56, and his wife Denise Closs, aged 46, were tragically murdered on October 15, 2018, in their home in Barron, Wisconsin. The couple was fatally shot by Jake Thomas Patterson, a 21-year-old man who had targeted their 13-year-old daughter, Jayme Closs, for abduction. Patterson broke into the Closs home in the early hours of the morning, armed with a shotgun. He shot James Closs through the front door after James shone a light on him and asked him to identify himself.
Patterson then entered the house and shot Denise Closs before kidnapping Jayme.
The investigation into the murders and Jayme's abduction was extensive and garnered national attention. Patterson had meticulously planned the crime, making multiple attempts before finally executing his plan on October 15. He took Jayme to a remote cabin in Gordon, Wisconsin, approximately 70 miles away from her home, where he held her captive for 88 days. During this time, Patterson kept Jayme hidden and controlled her movements to prevent her escape.
Jayme Closs managed to escape from captivity on January 10, 2019, and sought help from a nearby resident who immediately called the police. Patterson was arrested shortly after Jayme's escape and confessed to the crimes during his interrogation. He was charged with two counts of first-degree intentional homicide and one count of kidnapping. On May 24, 2019, Patterson was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 40 years.
The case of James and Denise Closs's murder and Jayme's abduction highlighted the importance of community vigilance and the resilience of survivors. Jayme's escape and subsequent recovery have been a source of inspiration for many, and she has since become an advocate for other missing and exploited children. The Closs family and the Barron community have continued to support Jayme as she rebuilds her life after the traumatic events.
