Suspect pleads guilty to kidnapping Jayme Closs, killing her parents

BARRON, Wis. (FOX 9) - The 21-year-old Wisconsin man accused of abducting Jayme Closs and killing her parents pleaded guilty Wednesday in Barron County.

Patterson had indicated all along that he would plead guilty to spare 13-year-old Jayme even more trauma of re-living the nightmare she endured. Even his attorneys say despite multiple conversations, reviews of police reports and hundreds of hours of surveillance video relating to the case, there was no changing Patterson's mind of admitting guilt.

During the arraignment, Patterson became emotional and at times struggled to respond to the judge. His voice shook as he pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree intentional homicide for killing James and Denise Closs, and to one count of kidnapping.

As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors say they will not file additional charges in Douglas County where Jayme was held in captivity at Patterson's home in Gordon, Wisconsin. An armed burglary charge was also dismissed.

Patterson allegedly shot and killed James and Denise Closs on Oct. 15 and abducted Jayme. He held her captive in Gordon for 88 days before she was finally able to escape. Patterson was arrested a short time later. 

He will be sentenced in Barron County on May 24. 

FOX 9 reached out to members of Jayme's family. While they did not want to comment, they indicated they would speak after Patterson's sentencing. Patterson's family members also did not comment on the proceedings.