Wisconsin

Family of Suspect in Closs Kidnapping Speak Out

Robert Naiberg, Closs' grandfather, said Wednesday that he appreciates the sympathy being expressed by the suspect's father

The grandfather of a 21-year-old Wisconsin man accused of kidnapping 13-year-old Jayme Closs and killing her parents during a home invasion says his grandson was "quiet and shy." 

Jim Moyer told ABC News on Tuesday that his grandson, Jake Thomas Patterson, is a "nice boy, polite" who often "backed off from crowds." 

Moyer says "Computer games were more of a priority than social interaction" for Patterson. The grandfather says Patterson's family is "absolutely heartbroken." 

Patterson's father, Patrick Patterson, visited the Barron County Justice Center on Tuesday saying he wanted to pass a note to the Closs' family, CNN reported.On the verge of tears, Patrick Patterson declined an interview but said: "All I care about right now is Jayme's family."

Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald told the AP he had no knowledge of a note from the Patterson family.

Patterson was charged Monday with two counts of intentional homicide, one count of kidnapping and one count of armed burglary. Prosecutors say more charges could come later.

Robert Naiberg, Closs' grandfather, said Wednesday that he appreciates the sympathy being expressed by the suspect's father.

"You can't blame the parents," Naiberg told The Associated Press. "A guy becomes 21 years old, and sometimes it's not how he was raised or anything."

Naiberg, Denise Closs' father, said his granddaughter continues to recover while staying with her aunt. Naiberg said Jayme will permanently live with her aunt. 

"She doesn't want to talk to anybody," Naiberg said of his granddaughter, but said her aunt is "bringing her out of her shell slowly."

Naiberg said Jayme wants to return to school but it isn't clear when that might happen.

Copyright The Associated Press
Contact Us