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Jayme Closs To Get Reward Money After Freeing Herself From Kidnapper

Jayme Closs To Get Reward Money After Freeing Herself From Kidnapper

A $25,000 reward was promised to the person who brought forward information after the youngster was abducted by a man who killed her parents

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

It has been announced that Jayme Closs will receive the $25,000 (£19,000) reward that was offered to anyone who came forward with information as to her whereabouts, after the 13-year-old freed herself from the kidnapper that killed both of her parents.

The teen was abducted from her home in Barron, Wisconsin, US, on 15 October 2018 and both of her parents were killed.

Hormel Foods, the company her parents worked for, had offered the money last October to anyone with information leading to Jayme's return.

She escaped nearly three months later, on 10 January 2019, when her kidnapper, Jake Thomas Patterson, left her alone underneath his bed which he had weighed down.

Jayme managed to push the objects away from the bed and crawled out before putting on Patterson's shoes and walking out of the property.

A group of volunteers search the ditches along Highway 8, near the home where 13-year-old Jayme Closs lived with her parents.
PA

According to BuzzFeed News, the youngster saw and approached Jeanne Nutter, a former social worker, who was walking her dog. From there Jayme was taken to another neighbour's home and the emergency services were called.

Police took Jayme to a local hospital and a short time later an officer found a vehicle that matched the description that she had given of the suspect.

Patterson, 21, was taken into custody and has since been charged with kidnapping and homicide.

Jake Thomas Patterson makes his first appearance before Judge James Babler at the Barron County Justice Center.
PA

In a statement Jim Snee, president of Hormel Foods, said that Jayme's 'bravery and strength have truly inspired our team members around the world'.

He added: "While we are still mourning the loss of longtime family members Jim and Denise, we are so thankful for Jayme's brave escape and that she is back in Barron. The company has expressed its wishes to donate the $25,000 to Jayme."

According to the BBC, Mr Snee said the company hopes that the money will be placed in a trust fund for the 13-year-old's present and future needs.

Undated handout photo of missing 13-year-old Jayme Closs.
PA

Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald thanked Hormel for the company's support during the case, adding: "We also agree that Jayme is the hero in this case and are happy they have chosen her to receive the company's reward contribution."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: World News, News, US News

I'm Becky - a journalist at LADbible. I graduated with a First Class BA in Journalism before going on to cover criminal court cases, medical tribunals and breaking news for the national media - which inevitably and eventually became as glum as it sounds. Can often be found rocking a bag for life - which I made a 'thing' way before Rihanna. You can contact me at [email protected]

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