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Prosecutor reflects on Closs case

Wright says the crimes changed the community. More people arm themselves at home and have taken other precautions.

BARRON COUNTY, Wis. — Barron County District Attorney Brian Wright has never spent as much time on a case, as he did on the kidnapping of Jayme Closs and the murder of her parents Jim and Denise.

“It was hundreds and hundreds of hours,” Wright said.

A lot of work came long before Jake Patterson was arrested. Wright visited the crime scene, which gave him a clear idea of the danger Jayme faced.

He'll never forget the moment he found out Jayme is alive.

RELATED: Barron heals along with Jayme Closs


“Someone comes bolting into my office, and it turned out it was Sheriff Fitzgerald. He says, ‘They found her,they found her!’” Wright said.


Wright negotiated a deal for Patterson to plead guilty, saving the county hundreds of thousands of dollars a trial would have cost. Still sending Patterson to prison for life, while saving Jayme from having to testify.

Wright says two things about the crime sticks with him. The scary randomness of it. And that Jim and Denise died protecting Jayme.

“These parents did everything right. and as parents we want to protect our children,” Wright said


Wright says the crimes changed the community. More people arm themselves at home and have taken other precautions.

“I have talked to any number of people who live out in the country more, where they have purchased security cameras,” Wright said.

RELATED: Jayme Closs shares a message on the anniversary of her kidnapping



But he, like many others- is a changed person - inspired by Jayme's strength and bravery.

“I will never forget how she at 13 years old was able to get herself out of that,” Wright said.

Jake Patterson is serving his sentencing in a new Mexico state prison. He did not appeal. All that's left in this case is the county will release the investigative files, probably later this month.

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