Kidnap Victim Jayme Closs Honored As Hometown Hero By Wisconsin Assembly
CHICAGO (CBS)--Kidnapping survivor Jayme Closs was honored by Wisconsin lawmakers as a hometown hero.
Closs posed with her award this week. The 13-year-old was held captive in a cabin for nearly three months after her parents were murdered.
She escaped in January, and asked for help from a woman walking her dog. The woman called police, who later arrested 21-year-old Jake Patterson, who pleaded guilty in March to two counts of intentional homicide and one count of kidnapping. He faces life in prison.
Closs traveled nearly 200 miles from home for the ceremony, but did not speak. Her aunt, who is now her guardian, accompanied her to the ceremony.
Rep. Romaine Quinn, a Republican from Barron, presented Closs with the "hometown hero" award.
"Jamie, your strength, your resolve, and your bravery is beyond incredible. You are truly an inspiration and a bright light during a time of sadness," Quinn said. "You taught us an important lesson: no matter how grave your situation, no matter how dark your days become and no matter how impossible your circumstances may seem, there is always hope."
FBI Milwaukee also issued a statement commending the teen: "FBI Milwaukee salutes Wisconsin teenager Jayme Closs today, surrounded by family and friends after being honored as a Hometown Hero before the WI State Assembly."
