Abduction suspect ordered to stand trial

A man BARRON, WIS. — accused of kidnapping a 13-year-old Wisconsin girl and killing her parents waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday, telling his family, “I love you,” moments after he was ordered to stand trial.

Jake Patterson, 21, is accused of killing James and Denise Closs on Oct. 15 and kidnapping their daughter, Jayme Closs, from their Barron home. Jayme escaped on Jan. 10, after 88 days.

Patterson, wearing an orange jail jumpsuit and restraints, fidgeted during a proceeding that lasted less than five minutes, with Patterson speaking only to give yes-or-no answers to the judge’s questions. It was the first time he appeared in court in person.

During a preliminary hearing, prosecutors must show they have enough evidence to warrant a trial. After Patterson waived his right to that proceeding, Judge James Babler set a March 27 date for arraignment, where Patterson is expected to formally enter a plea.

As he was leaving the courtroom, Patterson smiled and nodded at his relatives and said, “I love you.” His father, Patrick Patterson, responded, “I love you.”

About 20 members of the Closs family attended. They left the courthouse without speaking to reporters. Asked whether there was anything he wanted to say, the elder Patterson told one reporter: “Pray for Jayme’s family.”

According to the criminal complaint, Patterson told investigators he knew Jayme “was the girl he was going to take” after he saw her getting on a school bus near her home.