Aunt Gives Update On Jayme Closs On Two-Year Anniversary Of Teenager’s Escape From Kidnapper

January 10, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

WISCONSIN – On the two-year anniversary of the day Jayme Closs escaped her kidnapper and her parents’ murderer, Jayme’s aunt is giving an update on how the courageous teenage girl is doing now.

Jennifer Smith, who is also Jayme’s guardian, posted this update on the Healing For Jayme Facebook page, which also shares updates on other children who are missing:

A PUBLIC MESSAGE FROM THE FAMILY OF JAYME CLOSS IN REGARDS TO JANUARY 10:

“We are very thankful for everything that happened on this day two years ago; for Jayme’s bravery and for Jeanne, Peter and Kristen for all being in the right place, at the right time and keeping Jayme safe. We’re still very thankful for the community, to the whole world for all caring and being there, and to law enforcement who worked tirelessly to seek justice. Jayme is doing good. We take life day by day. She is enjoying dance, school activities and many other things as much as is possible in regards to now dealing with the covid restrictions. She is surrounded by lots of loved ones. We always want to say and remind others never take life for granted. You never know what tomorrow will bring. Always remember to take the time to tell your loved ones you love them.”

– Jennifer Naiberg Smith (Aunt & Gaurdian of Jayme)

Jayme was 13 at the time when she was kidnapped from her family’s home in Barron, Wisconsin on October 15th, 2018 by Jake Patterson, who had shot and killed her parents after breaking into their house.

She was held hostage inside of a cabin 70 miles away from Barron in Gordon, Wisconsin.

On the morning of January 10th, 2019, her captor told her he was leaving for several hours, and that’s when she saw her window of opportunity to escape.

On that cold day in Wisconsin, she only had pajamas and her captor’s boots on. After escaping the cabin, she wandered around outside looking for help, and came across a woman walking her dog, who instantly recognized the girl because of the nationwide campaign to find her.

They went to a nearby house and called 911.

Jake Patterson is now serving a life sentence in prison with no parole.

Jayme Closs was honored by the Wisconsin Assembly in May of 2019 for her inspiring display of bravery, strength, and courage.