Escaped kidnap victim Jayme Closs honored as ‘hometown hero’

The 13-year-old Wisconsin girl who was held captive for three months has been honored by the Wisconsin Assembly.

As CrimeOnline previously reported, Jayme Closs was taken prisoner in a remote cabin by the man who murdered her parents in October 2018, before she heroically escaped on January 10 of this year.

In a rare public appearance since Closs escaped from confessed killer Jake Patterson, the teen girl was surrounded by family and friends when those gathered at the Assembly chapter on Wednesday honored her as a “hometown hero.”

Closs reportedly did not speak at the ceremony, and her aunt Jen Smith accepted the award on her behalf and spoke about the teen girl’s inspirational strength and bravery.

Patterson pleaded guilty to kidnapping and murder and was sentenced to life in prison. As CrimeOnline previously reported, he addressed the victim when he made his guilty plea, saying “Bye, Jamie,” as he was escorted out of the courtroom.