Kidnapped teen’s homecoming hailed at church services

Barron, Wis. — Churchgoers at two Catholic parishes at the center of Jayme Closs’ life celebrated her homecoming Sunday morning in western Wisconsin, with many calling her return a miracle — a testament to the power of faith.

At St. Joseph’s Church in Barron and at St. Peter’s Church in neighboring Cameron, dozens of churchgoers gathered in the same spaces where they had prayed for nearly three months for the safe return of the 13-year old girl.

“We are overjoyed and we couldn’t be happier. It’s a miracle and it’s wonderful,” said Mary Haas at St. Joseph’s as she took down Christmas decorations after Mass. “We prayed and prayed and prayed.”

At St. Peter’s, Larry Leff said the teen’s return showed everyone the power of God. “It’s a great day up in our area. God answered all our prayers,” Leff said, adding that he was “tingly” walking into church.

The man suspected of kidnapping Closs and killing her parents at their home last October will appear in Barron County Circuit Court at 3:30 p.m. today to face charges of kidnapping and first-degree intentional homicide.

Jake T. Patterson was arrested late Thursday afternoon after Jayme escaped from his remote cabin near Gordon, Wis., about an hour north of her family home in Barron.

She approached a woman walking a dog to ask for help and the two went to the home of a neighbor, who called 911. Jayme told the residents, and later police, that Patterson had hidden her in his home for the 88 days she was missing, concealing her whenever anyone else visited his home.