The father of suspected killer Jake Patterson made a public apology to the family of 13-year-old Wisconsin girl, Jayme Closs, following a Wednesday court hearing in Barron.
“My words can mean nothing after such a tragedy has taken place,” Patrick Patterson told ABC. “I most definitely want Jayme’s family to know, everyone to know, that our hearts are broken for their family.”
Patterson also asked for people to “humbly pray for a complete healing of Jayme’s heart, mind, and soul.”
The father’s words came shortly after he attended a preliminary court hearing for his son at the Barron County Circuit Court. While around 20 of Jayme’s family members sat on the opposite site of the courtroom, Patrick Patterson told the suspect “I love you” as he walked out of the courtroom.
Jayme’s family left the brief hearing without responding to what they heard. They also declined to speak with the media.
“I’m very sorry for everything that has happened,” Patrick Patterson told ABC. “These words come directly from my heart and my family’s heart.”
RELATED Reading: Accused killer kidnapper Jake Patterson smiles, waves at family during court appearance [Video]
Meanwhile, Patterson waived his rights to preliminary hearing. Judge James Babler set an arraignment date for March 27; Patterson will have the opportunity to enter a formal plea.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Jayme disappeared from her Barron home after two adults, identified as her parents, James Closs, 56, and Denise Closs, 46, were found dead a little after 1 a.m. on October 15. Both victims were shot to death, according to police.
On January 10 at around 4:45 p.m., a woman was walking a dog in a housing development just outside of Gordon, when a girl with matted hair wearing men’s shoes and tattered clothing approached her for help. The girl was Jayme and she had just escaped a home in the rural area.
Patterson, 21, was arrested the same day Jayme escaped. He’s accused of killing Jayme’s parents before forcing her into his car and driving her to the home, where he reportedly her captive for 88 days.
READ More: Jayme Closs suspected kidnapper confesses, explains why he targeted her
Check back with CrimeOnline as additional details become available.
[Feature Photo: Jake Patterson/Facebook;Police Handout]
