AMBER ALERT WI - Jayme Closs, 13, Barron, missing after parents found shot, 15 Oct 2018 *endangered* #22

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It sounds like LE has always said, "at home," in regards to Jayme being there during the murders. I may be splitting hairs to thinly, but I know LE has used their words very carefully here, and I don't think they have ever said "in the home." Is this correct?

I mentioned it earlier, and maybe someone can find me a place where they are more specific, but being "at home" is not as specific as being "in the home."
 
Whiskers16 said:
Disclaimer: This post is primarily based on what I've found from the cited sources. In several spots I made generalizations to summarize the discussions here. In a few places I haven't yet had an opportunity to gather more info. I can update this post as myself or others have a chance to compile more info.

Victims (pictures attached):
  • James Closs, 56, homicide victim, MOD gunshot [1]
    • Note: I have seen a facebook link but I am not certain it is the victim's as there are others with the same name; I am choosing not to link it here.
  • Denise Closs, 46, homicide victim, MOD gunshot [1]
  • Jayme Closs, 13, missing and endangered [2]
    • 5 feet tall, weighs 100 pounds and has green eyes and blond or strawberry blond hair [1]
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008476363462
    • She goes to Barron Middle School and went to Cameron previously [16]
    • Known for her love of dance and her cross country running [17]
    • “I love to dance at Christine’s Dance Jazz, ice-skating, valleyball (sic), swim, Art, cross country, Track, Dance,” [19]
  • Of Denise and Jayme, Downing told NBC, “They got along exceptionally good […]" [18]
  • Described the family as "happy-go-lucky." [20]
  • Joan Smrekar and her husband live right next door to the Closs family, who they describe as “very quiet, almost reclusive.” [2]
Locations:
  • Case Map, courtesy of thesnowflakesparkles: Google Maps
  • Victims' house: 1268 US-8, Barron, WI 54812 [12]
  • Street view of home: Google Maps
  • Note: in some cases WS users have found that the address of 1268 US-8 or 1268 13 1/2 Ave is directing to the wrong residence on Google Maps.
Employment:
  • Both James and Denise Closs were long-time employees of the Jennie-O Turkey Store in Barron [1]
  • At the time of this post, no details have been confirmed by LE/MSM about either victim's role or work schedule.
  • Statement: by Steve Lykken, president at Jennie-O Turkey Store: “Our thoughts are with the Closs family and the entire Barron community. Jim and Denise were long time members of the Jennie-O Turkey Store family. This is a difficult time for our entire team and we are mourning this loss and are still processing this terrible tragedy. We are also hopeful for the safe return of their daughter, Jayme, and are keeping her and the Closs family in our thoughts.” [7]
  • Employee reviews: Jennie-O Turkey Store in Barron, WI: Employee Reviews | Indeed.com
  • Job Positions: Jennie-O Turkey Store Careers
Timeline:
  • 10/14/18 afternoon - family gathering to celebrate the birthday of a grandson who is cousins with Jayme. Denise Closs and Jayme attended the party. James Closs was working and couldn't make it, per family member. [12]
  • 10/15/18 00:31 - Neighbors report hearing two loud gunshots within a few seconds [27]
  • 10/15/18 00:53:26 - 911 call received per dispatch log [22]
  • 10/15/18 00:56:01 - dispatched units to residence [22]
  • 10/15/18 01:00:30 - dispatched units arrive on scene. [22]
  • 10/15/18 01:03 - dispatch is advised of possible suicide attempt. Requested assistance, first responders. [22]
  • 10/15/18 1:05:19 - dispatch is advised of one male down, multiple rounds spent. [22]
  • 10/15/18 01:06:19 - dispatch is advised to request ERT; door has been kicked in, male who is down had answered the door. [22]
  • 10/15/18 01:11:02 - dispatch is advised that two subjects are down. [22]
  • 10/15/18 01:32:00 - dispatch is advised that no gun is located at this time. Responding officer requested command post response, search team. [22]
  • 10/15/18 01:38 - responding officer requests photos of property. [22]
  • 10/15/18 01:54 - responding officer requests pole cam. [22]
  • 10/15/18 02:00:59 - responding officer requests drone. [22]
  • 10/15/18 02:08:50 - responding officer advised individuals driving by multiple times were asked to leave. [22]
  • 10/15/18 02:36:15 - responding officer requested state patrol to respond for forensic mapping. [22]
  • 10/15/18 03:05:47 - type of call changed from suicidal person / attempted suicide to homicide. [22]
  • 10/15/18 03:57:47 - entered JLC as a missing juvenile. [22]
  • 10/15/18 04:02:09 - responding officer requested to contact an FBI field agent. [22]
  • 10/15/18 04:25:57 - responding officer advised deputies are going to [address removed]. [22]
  • 10/15/18 04:32:22 - contacted security at St. Croix Casino and requested they contact responding officer. [22]
  • 10/15/18 05:13:19 - Missing endangered juvenile call (ATL - Attempt to Locate)broadcast by dispatch. [22]
  • 10/15/18 06:27:18 - responding officer is at Jennie-O Turkey Store. [22]
  • 10/15/18 12:15:13 - faxed press release to Ontonagon County Sheriff's Dept. [22]
  • 10/15/18 12:35:46 - reporting officer is enroute to the office with dog from the residence. [22]
  • 10/15/18 13:28:26 - reporting officer advised dog was left with family. [22]
  • 10/15/18 13:49:49 - responding officer requested to contact Anderson Dairy to advise them of a search of the area for a missing person. Requesting to park in their yard.
  • 10/15/18 15:20 - Amber Alert issued [22]
  • 10/15/18 evening - Miami Police Department tweeted about possible sighting. “Endangered Juvenile, Jayne Closs from Barron, WI, may have been seen in the afternoon of 10/15/18, in the area of N.W. 27 Ave and 11 St. If it was her, she was in a black Ford Explorer with a possible WI plate of I60WER. If you have any information please call 911 immediately.” [18]
  • 10/16/17 11:00 - Press conference at BCJC [3]
  • 10/16/18 16:00 - Press conference at BCSD [3]
  • 10/16/18 19:00 - Prayer vigil at St. Peter Catholic Church, Cameron, WI [11]
  • 10/17/18 16:00 - Press conference at BCSD [3]
  • 10/17/18 19:00 - Local Town Hall for Barron County residents at WITC in Rice Lake at 1900 College Drive in the Conference Center [3]
    • To offer law enforcement the opportunity to connect with the citizens of Barron County, and have a private dialogue about how our community is doing. [15]
  • 10/18/18 14:00 - Civilian search (asked for 100 volunteers) performed along Highway 8 between Barron and Turtle Lake, about 3 miles from the family's home, [1]
    • Routine search for articles of evidentiary value that may be related to Jayme’s disappearance [3]
    • Report to the intersection of State Highway 8 and 16th Street at 2:00 p.m. in the City of Barron [3]
    • Volunteers need to present a valid form of photo identification and be able to walk on uneven terrain. Proper footwear (hard soled shoes) and clothing are required [3]
    • The search turned up nothing of evidentiary value. [17]
  • 10/22/18 16:00 - press conference planned at Barron County Sheriff's Office [3]
    • Released 3 potential vehicles of interest, unknown plates [29]:
      • 2004-2010 Black Acura MDX
      • 2006-2010 Black Ford Edge
      • 2008-2014 Red/Orange Dodge Challenger
    • Requested 2000 civilian volunteers for search starting at Hungry Hollow Grounds [29]
    • Volunteers must be 18 years or older and present a picture form of identification. Volunteers must be able to walk on uneven terrain. Proper footwear (boots required) and cold weather clothing are required and may become dirty or stained. [29]
  • 10/22/18 18:00-20:00 - A Gathering of Hope at Riverview Middle School [3]
  • 10/23/18 09:00 - Search planned at Hungry Hollow Grounds [29]
Crime Details:
  • Neighbor account
    • The Smrekars reported hearing two high-powered gunshots after 12:30 a.m. Monday. [2]
    • “I hear one shot and the second shot was even louder yet,” Joan Smrekar said. [26]
    • “It actually sounded like a car backfiring or something quite large,” her husband Tom Smrekar added. [26]
    • "JOAN SMREKAR, CLOSS` NEIGHBOR: We had come home about 11:30. We went to bed about quarter after 12:00. We were not sleeping and we heard the first shot and just a couple seconds is the second shot. And I asked my husband, I said, were those gunshots? Because they were so loud? And he said, yes, and he said, it`s a big gun and I rolled over and looked at the time on my clock, and it said 12:38. My clock is off by seven minutes per the Sheriff`s department, so this happened roughly around 12:30." [27]
  • 911 call
    • A 911 call came in early Monday from a cellphone inside the home, [12]
    • Fitzgerald said the 911 call came from the home [2]
    • Dispatcher heard a disturbance in the background. But no one spoke directly to the dispatcher [1]
    • Investigator are trying to enhance the audio for clues. [2]
    • "No one had direct contact with our dispatcher when they called 911, we hear background noise, things like that" [13]
    • He says the call lasted less than a minute and the only word that can be understood is “help”. [15]
    • On Monday October 15, 2018 at 12:58am the Barron County Sheriff’s Department received a 911 call from a subject asking for help at 1268 Hwy 8. [18]
    • 911 Call Log: http://media.graytvinc.com/documents/barron+county+call+log.pdf
    • Explanation of call log, courtesy of Jethro4WS: AMBER ALERT - WI - Jayme Closs, 13, Barron, missing after parents found shot to death, 15 Oct 2018 *endangered* #7
  • Police response / Crime Scene
    • Deputies arrived to the home less than four minutes later [1]
    • Deputies arrived just 4 minutes after the call ended [15]
    • No one was in sight and no vehicles were in the immediate area [1]
    • "Where deputies found the bullet-riddled bodies" [4] {Note: WS users have discounted this point in thread 9 as it is a photo caption, not part of the article, and not reported by any other sources.}
  • Crime Scene Processing
    • Picture of Chair: {Need link to source for chair pictures here}
      • Items on chair have been theorized as cushion ties, shoelaces, various restraints, some kind of tags, zip ties, wood splinters.
    • Picture of Suitcase: {Need link to source for suitcase pictures here}.
      • Believed to be brought to/from the scene by the Medical Examiner based on the ME carrying it, not wearing gloves, placing it on the ground, etc.
    • Picture of Glass Door: {Need link to source for door pictures here}.
      • Believed to have some seasonal clings (pumpkin) on the door, unknown if any evidentiary value.
    • Wood Door: {Need link to source for door pictures here}.
    • Picture of alleged "Rifle Bags" and Rakes [25]
      • Captioned by Daily Mail as "what appeared to be a rifle bag, a rake and several duffel sized bags" [25]
      • Some think they are rifle bags which could have been removed from the home. Others have mentioned they are unlikely to be evidence from the home as the officers are not handling them with gloves.
      • Another theory is that the bag contains a metal detector, and the rakes could have been used in searching or clearing brush while using the metal detectors. Further detail in this post by rainynights
    • No gun was found at the scene [1]
    • It is unclear if Jayme took any of her personal items with her. Fitzgerald said he was working on gathering information if she had a phone or other items she would have definitely taken with her. [16]
    • Multiple rounds were “spent” [18]
    • The family’s dog was alive inside the residence when deputies responded [18]
    • Authorities found a “violent crime scene.” [18]
    • When deputies arrived on scene they found two deceased adults. [18]
    • With help from the FBI, Barron County investigators searched for clues in and around the home, extending into neighbors’ yards. [21]
    • “They came through and they looked through the house in the garage and the buildings in the back,” [21]
  • Ongoing Investigation
    • The FBI and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children are assisting in the investigation. Fitzgerald says the FBI technicians are specialized in missing children. [5]
    • Deputies searched the area around the family's home with drones and infrared equipment, but they didn't find any clues as to her whereabouts [9]
    • Officers also were at Jayme's middle school talking with her friends and acquaintances, hoping to develop some leads [9]
    • Authorities just told volunteers that this is a 14 mile long crime scene. From city of Barron all the way to Turtle Lake. [11]
    • We're providing a number of resources -- investigative, technical, tactical intelligence as well as agents from our 'Child Abduction Rapid Deployment Team [12]
    • "Individuals who commit acts of violence may display changes in their behavior and individuals around that person may observe those changes." [12]
    • The death of her parents James and Denise now ruled a double homicide by gunshot [15]
    • The department says at this point there are no signs of drug or alcohol use and say this case is particularly interesting as there were no weapons found on scene. [15]
    • They’re talking with friends, family and classmates as well as scouring Facebook and Snapchat for any sign of Jayme or any indication as to what happened. [15]
    • There is no history of family trouble or custody disputes [16]
    • [BS] declined to comment on the rest of the case and the family of [JC] and [DC]. He said he was advised by Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald to not to talk about it for the integrity of the investigation. [28]
  • Reward
LE Statements:
  • October 15, 2018 at 12:58am the Barron County Sheriff’s Department received a 911 call from a subject asking for help at 1268 Hwy 8. [3]
  • When deputies arrived on scene they found two deceased adults. [3]
  • "We believe Jayme was in the home at the time of the homicides and we believe she's still in danger," Fitzgerald said this week. [1]
  • But the sheriff said he has a "100% expectation that she's alive." [1]
  • On HLN's "Crime & Justice" Wednesday night, Fitzgerald told host Ashleigh Banfield that deputies had recovered the cell phone from which the 911 call was made. [1]
  • "Is it a random attack or a targeted attack? I don't know that answer," Fitzgerald told reporters. [1]
  • Fitzgerald told Fox 9 the sheriff’s office has had zero calls to the home in the past. [2]
  • If you spent time with members of the Closs family recently, or if you have ever had a misunderstanding with members of the Closs family, or know someone who has, please call the tipline. [3]
  • People may act differently shortly after committing a violent act. You may have observed such behaviors and not realized it at the time. We are asking you to think back to earlier this week and let us know if you’ve noticed any of the following:
    • Changes in Routine:
      • They will miss work. The absence will be sudden and unplanned. They may either be a “no show” or they may offer a reasonable excuse such as illness, death in the family, car trouble, etc.
      • They may miss scheduled appointments. These appointments or commitments may include medical appointments, a regular responsibility to a friend or family member, like caring for an elderly relative.
      • They may suddenly leave town, either with no explanation or with some reasonable explanation.
    • Changes in Normal Behavior:
      • There may be changes in their usual consumption of alcohol and/or drugs. This could be an increase or a decrease in drinking or drug use.
      • They may make a change in how they look or make it difficult to identify them, such as changing the look of their vehicle or selling or getting rid of their vehicle.
      • They may pay too much or too little attention to the progress of this investigation that seems out of the ordinary. They may try to find new information about the investigation or, they may quickly turn off the news and social media or try to redirect conversations about the victims or their families.
      • They may be anxious, nervous, or irritable. They may withdraw from normal activities. [3]
  • The search for Jayme Closs has continued to intensify and serious unrelated criminal activity was uncovered in the Barron area and law enforcement action was deemed necessary [3]
  • "We've searched the area around the residence […] we've used drones, we've used infrared […] we've searched the school, we've met with her friends, we're working closely with the Barron Riverview Middle School where she attends school" [13]
  • "To say the public's not in danger, I can't say that, but I want the public to be aware we know of no immediate danger, we know of no other threats in the area but everyone should be aware of their surroundings all the time" [13]
  • "We don't have a suspect or a vehicle, and those are two requirements needed for an Amber Alert, so we can't produce an Amber Alert." [13]
  • The sheriff says […] investigators have been talking with Jayme’s friends, but so far have no leads on a possible suspect. [5]
  • he dismissed a tip placing Jayme's whereabouts in Miami as "not credible." [12]
  • Jayme was last seen at a family gathering Sunday afternoon, Fitzgerald said. [12]
  • Sheriff Fitzgerald is asking that same community for help. “Walk your properties,” he says. “There will be many hunters in the area in the upcoming weekend and daily. Check your cabins, walk your land and report you feel anything you think is important to us.” [15]
  • "Is it a random attack or a targeted attack? I don't know that answer," Fitzgerald told reporters. [17]
  • “We believe Jayme was home based on the evidence in our case. Some of it from that 911 call and some of it is part of the active investigation, and we’re not able to comment on why we believe that.” [18]
  • He asked the public to continue providing tips, and to report anyone changing their behavior, such as changes to appearance or suddenly going out of town. [18]
  • He said police “redid” the crime scene with the state crime lab to make sure they didn’t miss anything. [18]
  • Jayme attended a Cameron School but transferred to Riverview Middle School in Barron because her family caretaker moved to that area, said Fitzgerald. [23]
  • "After more discussion with Fitzgerald on Saturday morning, Fitzgerald said he was not releasing any information about how the door got opened. He said when the deputies arrived at the house, James was found dead at the door." [24]
Other Resources
Sources - Click the button to expand
Sources:
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Click to expand...
Here is where a small timeline is given, IMO. Sheriff stating evidence puts Jayme in the home during the murders..also 911 hearing someone saying “help”. It’s on page one.
 
random thought.....
if the perp had shut off the electricity at the main breaker box Jim might have attempted to go outside to see what's up and upon opening the door, seeing a person, realizing they must have shut it off, shut the door, the perp kicked it in and all heck broke loose, would fit how the heck this happened with him being at the door and it being kicked in at the same time without him (Jim) having a weapon. (Of course, I'm not sure Jim didn't have a weapon and it was stolen by the perp.)
I came up with this thought as y'all were talking about snipping phone lines.
 
kkdj said:
Iirc LE said she was taken alive and days later stated they felt she was still alive.
Click to expand...

I hate it when people ask for links but I never saw she was taken alive. I know they have said they believe she is alive, but even last week they said they have nothing to base that on, in the PC...
 
What sort of phone service does Barron have? They may be close enough to Rice Lake but I know a lot of these smaller communities have satellite phone service or VoIP. Even Charter, who has taken over the state, has VoIP service for their phones.
 
Randazzo said:
I think it's safe to say the phone didn't turn off. Dispatch called back and didn't get an answer. It rang and then went to voicemail. If the phone were off it would have gone straight to voicemail. If service were poor they probably wouldn't have disconnected their landline. That leaves someone hanging it up.
Click to expand...

The caller could have hung up if the dispatcher was loudly demanding "what's your emergency/who's this/what's going on" and the caller was afraid the perp might overhear.
 
Bugurl747 said:
Perhaps that is standard LE procedure in verifying the primary physical custody arrangements of a child? Verification that the child is registered in the school district?
This doesn't pertain to JC and DC, but I know per school security guidelines, there are child custody laws in place for school personnel regarding shared custody with biological parents, grandparents, etc.

Depending if the child was school age, the school would know if the student was in the hospital for extended time periods or in a worse case scenario if there was history of a deceased child where the family may have kept the room intact.....just my thoughts.
Click to expand...

Also they may not have had access to phone numbers of relatives and they needed to know for sure. Rather than call one relative, who might not know for sure if Jayme had been home, call another etc...calling the school emergency numbers gives them name and age. Also they may have not been prepared to tell relatives about the crimes yet.
 
Charliegizmo49 said:
Give me a link. I’ve read those it doesn’t quite say that. If I remember the wording right.
Click to expand...
Here is a link of a post of mine from thread 3 of this case. I link the video, tell the time in the video where to hear it, and I transcribed it.

AMBER ALERT - WI - Jayme Closs, 13, Barron, missing after parents found shot to death, 15 Oct 2018 *endangered* #3

Also, the media provided a quote from that same news conference I shared a link to the media source and the quote in this post.
AMBER ALERT - WI - Jayme Closs, 13, Barron, missing after parents found shot, 15 Oct 2018 *endangered* #13
 
cluciano63 said:
I hate it when people ask for links but I never saw she was taken alive. I know they have said they believe she is alive, but even last week they said they have nothing to base that on, in the PC...
Click to expand...
Where did LE say that? I missed it.
 
andreww said:
Until we actually know how many shots were fired we just don't know. I will say that it is entirely possible that a high calibre bullet could pass through someone and find its way in to the chair. But who knows, only info we currently have suggests two shots fired..
Click to expand...
Two shots only fails to account for LE saying multiple rounds spent though....
 
Hatfield said:
JMO
Maybe the perp rang the doorbell and as soon as he opened the door he realized it was not someone he would trust so maybe he tried shutting the door and got it partially shut but the perp used his foot to kick the door back open.

I would like to see more pictures of any of the door damage. I think I missed any pictures of it.
Click to expand...
tiffkinsadder said:
Was the front door damaged though?
Click to expand...

Looks that way to me. And they took the doors for a reason, IMO.
upload_2018-11-13_16-36-54.png
 
Warwick7 said:
I have pondered the scenario so many times. I do keep going back to the Sherif saying through video they have 2 vehicles near the home when the incident happened. Two vehicles means two drivers. So, at the very least two people.
Click to expand...
No two vehicles means two cars in the area. If they were parked and no one from them was involved that’s all they have. Two random
Unrelated cars in the area. One or both could be related or not. We don’t know. I hope LE knows.
 
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