Sheriff discloses reason why Jayme Closs' parents were killed

Authorities determined that Jake Thomas Patterson allegedly killed the two "barriers" who were Closs' parents simply to get to his main target.

Patterson, 21, is being accused of the abduction of 13-year-old Jayme Closs. He killed both of her parents before taking her away. Closs was found last week.

The incident occurred on October 15, 2018, in Barron, Wisconson. Police are still uncovering details about the matter. So far, they have confirmed Patterson's main objective.

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On Sunday, Barron County Sheriff's Chris Fitzgerald spoke to CNN. He said that Patterson always intended, and carefully planned, to abduct Closs from the start.

Fitzgerald said:

"We believe Jayme was the target, and [Patterson] was getting rid of possible barriers to taking her."

The sheriff went on to describe the action as "a very well-planned out attack." Patterson took intricate steps to hide his identity.

For instance, the alleged abductor shaved his head in order to avoid leaving traces of his presence following the attack.

As to why he selected the Closs family, the department remains unsure. There is only one link between Patterson and the victims.

Patterson worked only one day at the same company as the Closs parents. There is no evidence of interactions between the two.

A Jennie-O Turkey Store plant in Barron employed Patterson three years ago before he said he was leaving the area.

AFTER THREE MONTHS SHE'S FOUND ALIVE

As the investigations continue, Closs' family is elated thanks to the young girl's safe return. Closs was found by Jeanne Nutter on Thursday, January 10 in Gordon, Wisconsin.

She came out of her ordeal looking bedraggled and dirty. A vacationer found Closs walking along the street and recognized her almost immediately.

She brought her to the home of a neighbor, Kristin Kasinkas who is also a teacher. There, Closs refused food but did play with the woman's small dog. The women called the authorities.

CLOSS HELPED IDENTIFY THE SUSPECT

Despite what she had gone through, Closs assisted investigators soon after she was found. She explained that she was kept in a house in the Gordon area.

Kasinkas told the media:

"She said to us that this person killed my parents and took me. She did say that. She said that this person usually hides her or hides her when others are near or when he has to leave the household."

Closs went on to describe Patterson's vehicle and police made the arrest. Later, they found several guns at the suspect's home.

ALLEGED ABDUCTOR PATTERSON WAS CHARGED

A shotgun found is believed to be the weapon used to kill Closs' parents. Following which Patterson abducted and concealed the girl from his friends.

When he left home on Thursday, Closs took the chance to run away. The court handed out preliminary charges of kidnapping and intentional homicide on Saturday.

WHERE IS CLOSS NOW

Closs was medically evaluated before they placed her in the care of relatives. Her aunt, Sue Allard, was one of those who was happy to see her back.

Another aunt, Jennifer Smith, is apparently housing the young girl. On Saturday, she posted an update to Facebook:

"[Jayme] had a pretty good night sleep. It was great to know she was next to me all night. What a great feeling to have her home."

THE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

Investigators have not yet revealed exactly how Closs was able to make her exit from the property. They describe Closs as being a hero for it.

However, they did say that the property was not under Patterson's ownership. Rather, it was listed under another Patterson name as found through a deed search.

Fitzgerald also said the police are "looking for receipts, and where the suspect may have been over the last 88 days."

"We can't be more proud of Jayme," he said. And indeed, it is a happy ending to an otherwise horrific story. We wish Closs all the best in her recovery.