Jake Thomas Patterson is Suspect ID'ed in Closs kidnapping

Jake Thomas Patterson

Chicago Tribune: Sheriff IDs suspect in abduction of Wisconsin teen Jayme Closs and killing of her parents.

Douglas County Sheriff Thomas Dalbec said at a news conference Friday that Jake Thomas Patterson was arrested Thursday after Jayme Closs was found near Gordon, where Patterson lives.

Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald says investigators believe Patterson killed Jayme's parents because he wanted to abduct her, and that Patterson "took many steps to hide his identity."

A live television news conference ended a short while ago. The expressions of joy and relief among all family, friends and others concerned with this case was overwhelming.

Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald, who has been working so hard and so long on this case, was almost moved to tears during the news conference. This guy is a model sheriff. God Bless him and his department.

Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald during the news conference.