'Pray For Jayme's Family': Jake Patterson's Family, Closs Family Attend 1st Court Hearing
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Clad in an orange prison jumpsuit, accused murderer and kidnapper Jake Patterson appeared for the first time before a judge in person, his father and siblings and the family of Jayme Closs on Wednesday morning in Barron County Court.
Over the course of about three minutes, the 21 year old waived his right to the hearing, setting the stage for a potential trial if he doesn't enter a guilty plea.
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Leaving the courthouse, Patterson's father gave WCCO-TV a short statement when asked if he had anything to say.
"Pray for Jayme's family," said Patrick Patterson.
The courtroom where this is all playing out lies just under five miles from where an unimaginable tragedy unfolded. After spotting Closs getting on a school bus, Patterson is accused of killing her parents and abducting the 13-year-old girl in October, a crime that still sends chills throughout the community.
In light of Wednesday's court appearance, Jayme's family tell WCCO-TV they are focusing on justice and healing.
Jayme and her two aunts, Sue and Jennifer, are "very, very thankful for the wonderful support and kind wishes from all the amazing people around the world."
Patterson's arraignment date is set for March 27. His attorneys say they do not know what plea he will enter yet.
If you'd like to support Jayme Closs and her family, you can visit her GoFundMe page here.