Trial Date Set For Jake Patterson In Jayme Closs Case

Suspect Waives Right To Preliminary Hearing

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Jake Patterson enters courtroom
Jake Patterson appears for his preliminary hearing Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019, at Barron County Circuit Court in Barron, Wis. Patterson is accused of killing James and Denise Closs on Oct. 15 and kidnapping their daughter, Jayme Closs, from their Barron home. Jayme escaped on Jan. 10, after 88 days. T’xer Zhon Kha/The Post-Crescent/AP Photo

The man accused of kidnapping a 13-year-old Wisconsin girl and killing her parents has been ordered to stand trial after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing.

Jake Patterson, 21, gave brief answers to the judge in Barron County Wednesday. He acknowledged he was giving up his right to a hearing at which prosecutors would have had to show they had enough evidence to warrant a trail. The judge then set arraignment for March 27.

As Patterson was leaving the courtroom, he nodded at his father and said, “I love you.” His father responded, “I love you.”

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Patterson is accused of killing James and Denise Closs on Oct. 15 and kidnapping their daughter, Jayme Closs, from their Barron home. Jayme escaped on Jan. 10.

Correction: An earlier version of this story’s headline incorrectly stated Jake Patterson’s first name. It has been updated.

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