The Abduction of Jayme Closs: A Teen’s Harrowing Ordeal and Heroic Escape

For nearly three months, Patterson held Jayme captive in his remote cabin until she bravely seized an opportunity to escape.

A Violent Night That Shattered a Family

In the early hours of October 15, 2018, Jake Patterson arrived at the Closs family’s home with a shotgun. He had already attempted to approach the house twice before but had been deterred by activity inside. This time, however, he was determined to act.

Around 1 a.m., the family dog barked, prompting Jayme’s father, James Closs, to investigate. Patterson fired through a window, killing James instantly. He then forced his way inside and broke down the bathroom door where Jayme and her mother, Denise, were hiding.

Denise had managed to dial 911 but couldn’t speak before Patterson stormed in. He ordered her to tape Jayme’s mouth, and as Denise obeyed, he shot her in front of her terrified daughter. Blood pooled on the floor as Patterson dragged Jayme out of the house, nearly slipping in the gore. He shoved the girl into the trunk of his car and sped away.

The ordeal lasted just four minutes. Police responding to the 911 call passed Patterson’s car on the road, unaware the teen was trapped in the trunk. When they arrived at the Closs home, they found the bodies of James and Denise but no sign of Jayme.

Authorities quickly ruled out Jayme as a suspect and issued an Amber Alert. Yet for nearly three months, the Closs family had no answers.

Jayme’s Captivity in a Remote Cabin

Patterson took Jayme to his cabin in Gordon, Wisconsin, about 70 miles from Barron. There, he burned her clothes and warned her that making noise or trying to escape would result in harm. Patterson later admitted to investigators that he manipulated Jayme into submission by convincing her she “had it good” with him and would fare worse if she disobeyed.

Despite the meticulous planning he put into her abduction — such as shaving his head to avoid leaving DNA — Patterson had no clear strategy for what came next. When visitors like his father came to the house, he made Jayme hide under his twin bed, barricading it with heavy totes and weights to ensure she couldn’t escape. On some occasions, he left her without food, water, or bathroom access for up to 12 hours.

Over time, Patterson grew more relaxed. He allowed Jayme to watch TV, play board games, and even take walks around his property. Despite these glimpses of normalcy, Jayme endured constant fear and the weight of her parents’ violent deaths.

Jayme’s Daring Escape

On January 10, 2019, after 88 days in captivity, Jayme saw her chance. Patterson had left the cabin, and she managed to push aside the barricades under the bed. Wearing only her pajamas and a pair of Patterson’s oversized shoes, she ventured into the snowy wilderness.

She eventually came across Jeanne Nutter, who was out walking her dog. Disoriented and cold, Jayme identified herself and begged for help. Nutter led her to a neighbor’s house, where she told the homeowners, “This is Jayme Closs! Call 911!”

The news stunned the community. Peter Kasinkas, who opened his home to Jayme, described the moment: “It was like seeing a ghost. My jaw just hit the floor.”

Meanwhile, Patterson returned to his cabin and discovered Jayme missing. As he drove off to search for her, he unknowingly passed the police officer transporting Jayme to safety. Officers quickly located Patterson and pulled him over. Without hesitation, he confessed: “I did it.”

Justice Served

Jake Patterson pleaded guilty to two counts of murder and one count of kidnapping. During sentencing, Jayme’s statement was read to the court: “He thought he could own me, but he was wrong. I was smarter. I was brave, and he was not… He thought he could make me like him, but he was wrong.”

Patterson was sentenced to life in prison without parole, plus 40 years for Jayme’s abduction.

A Community Inspired by Jayme’s Resilience

Following her escape, Jayme was reunited with her dog, Molly, and moved in with her aunt. Despite the trauma, she found ways to heal, rejoining her favorite school activities and dancing again.

A year after her ordeal, Jayme’s attorney praised her courage: “She is moving forward with strength, reclaiming her life and inspiring everyone around her.”

The story of Jayme Closs is a testament to resilience and bravery, showing that even in the darkest moments, hope and determination can lead to freedom.

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