An obsessive stalker broke down in tears as he admitted to killing a husband and wife, then abducting their 13 year-old daughter and holding her captive for 88 days.
Jake Patterson, 21, struggled to speak through sobs as he pleaded guilty Wednesday to snatching Jayme Closs from her home in Barron, Wisconsin, after shooting her parents Denise and James in October 2018.
He was caught after Jayme escaped in January, and afterwards told various news outlets that he planned to admit his shocking crimes to spare the teen the ordeal of testifying.
During the hearing, Patterson hung his head and only spoke to answer questions confirming his personal details, and to acknowledge that he understood he faced a sentence which means he is likely to die in jail. During his pleas, he was comforted by his lawyer, who kept a hand on his clients shoulder.
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Patterson said he wanted to waive his right to a trial, and will be held until his sentencing on May 24, when he is expected to make a full statement.
Patterson sent a handwritten letter to KARE-TV in February from Polk County Jail. In it, the now-convicted killer answered a series of questions on a torn sheet of paper- including how he planned to plea.
Plead guilty, Patterson wrote.
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I want Jayme and her relatives to know that. Dont want them to worry about a trial.
Patterson continued to write that he felt huge amounts of remorse and said I cant believe I did this, claiming that he acted mostly on impulse.
On the back of the note, Patterson wrote Im Sorry Jayme! For everything. I know it doesnt mean much.
Earlier this month, Patterson called
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