Authorities released additional details on missing Wisconsin teen, Jayme Closs, on Wednesday, confirming she was in her home in Barron when her parents were killed.
CBS reports that while family members told the station the front door of 13-year-old Jayme’s home had been shot in, police confirmed that evidence indicated the teen was in the home when her parents, James and Denise Closs, were shot and killed. Their deaths have been ruled a homicide.
“Based on our investigation thus far, we believe Jayme was in the home at the time of homicides and we believe she is still in danger,” Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald said. “Every second counts in this case. When a child like Jayme is missing, we ask you to observe this behavior and report it to us.”
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Jayme was reported missing after police discovered her deceased parents in their home a little after 1 a.m. on Monday. Officers arrived at the home after someone called 911 from the residence. Fitzgerald said the caller didn’t speak directly to the dispatcher but noises in the background indicated some sort of disturbance happening.
Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald confirmed that no guns were found in the home and that authorities are working on the expectation that Jayme is alive.
Detectives interviewed people at Jayme’s school, Riverview Middle School, where she runs cross-country. They also reportedly checked her social media accounts. They’ve found nothing to indicate the girl was in any kind of trouble. Her parents worked at a turkey factory in Barron and so far, authorities have not indicated anything to suggest they were in any kind of trouble.
During Wednesday’s meeting, the sheriff banned the media from attending and claimed he wanted to have a conversation with the locals only. The president of the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council,Bill Lueders, found the sheriff’s decision in bad taste.
“The media are uniquely able to help, in terms of getting out information and encouraging people to share tips. Does he want to find this girl, or does he just want to make a public display of his dislike for the press?”
The FBI, along with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) continue to assist in the search for Jayme. Authorities haven’t released any details regarding a possible motive and haven’t released information on any suspects or persons of interest in mind.
According to family members, Jayme was last seen at a birthday party on Saturday afternoon. They said nothing seemed out of the ordinary with the teen.
Jayme is described as a white female who stands 5-feet tall, weighs around 100 pounds, and has green eyes and strawberry blond hair.
Anyone with any information on Jayme’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Barron County Sheriff’s Department at 715-537-3106 or dial 911. Tips can be sent to 855-744-3879.
[Feature Photo: Jayme Closs/Handout]