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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