'Emotional' Abductor Pleads Guilty in Jayme Closs Case

Jayme Closs and her family will not have to endure a trial: Jake Patterson has pleaded guilty in the 13-year-old's kidnapping as well as the murders of her parents. Patterson, 21, was arraigned on first-degree intentional homicide, kidnapping, and armed burglary charges Wednesday in Wisconsin and, per the Journal Sentinel, repeatedly answered "yes" as the judge asked him questions including whether he understood the charges and if he was sure of his plea. The newspaper refers to him as "emotional," noting that he hung his head, sniffled, and his voice broke. As he left the courtroom, he said, "Bye, Jayme." She was not there, though four rows of seats were taken up by her relatives. Two of Patterson's family members were also there, and one cried throughout the proceedings. Patterson, who faces life in prison, will be sentenced May 24. (Patterson apologized to Jayme in a letter.)