Alexsea
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Dec 12, 2015
- Messages
- 419
- Reaction score
- 1,914
Bites tongue...sorry.I'm trying to hold my composer.
Bites tongue...sorry.I'm trying to hold my composer.
Ariel view of the Closs house on the right and their nearest neighbor.
They believe that area to be part of the escape route. If you think about it, the crime was still ongoing at this point, as the perpetrator(s) likely had a kidnapping victim on board.Thanks I finally found it in the original post by the mods. Oops.
Also just read that the crime scene is 14 miles long. Why is that?
They believe that area to be part of the escape route. If you think about it, the crime was still ongoing at this point, as the perpetrator(s) likely had a kidnapping victim on board.
That was certainly true in the Mollie Tibbetts case. I don't know much about rewards in past cases or how useful they have proved to be. It would seem to be an incentive for someone to come forward if they know or suspect anyone. Or to be alert and aware of anything suspicious. JmoHuge rewards don’t seem to help. Most go unpaid, jmo.
In that particular case, it’s entirely possible that the reward did not work, as only the perpetrator knew where the victim was.That was certainly true in the Mollie Tibbetts case. I don't know much about rewards in past cases or how useful they have proved to be. It would seem to be an incentive for someone to come forward if they know or suspect anyone. Or to be alert and aware of anything suspicious. Jmo
Maybe only because I’m originally from the UP, but this also really stood out to me. I’ve been surprised this hasn’t caught more attention here.
Holy cow, Whiskers, thanks for this! That was a lot of work.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):
Locations:
- 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]
- Facebook: Denise Closs
- 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]
Employment:
- 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.
Timeline:
- 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
Crime Details:
- 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]
- {Haven't had an opportunity to add neighbors' witnessed gunshot time(s) here}
- 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 4pm - press conference planned at Barron County Sheriff's Office [3]
- 10/22/18 6-8pm - A Gathering of Hope at Riverview Middle School [3]
LE Statements:
- Neighbor account
- The Smrekars reported hearing two high-powered gunshots after 12:30 a.m. Monday. [2]
- {Need to gather more detailed timestamp(s) here.}
- 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
- 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]
- Crime Scene Processing
- Chair: {Need link to source for chair pictures here}. Items on the chair have been theorized as restraints, cushion ties, splinters.
- 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.
- 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}.
- 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]
Other Resources
- 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]
- "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]
- Barron County Sheriff's Department Facebook: Barron County Sheriff's Department
- Barron County Sheriff's Department: 715-537-3106. [2]
- Tip Line: 1-855-744-3879 [3]
- Tip Email: jaymetips@co.barron.wi.us [3]
- NCMEC: Have you seen this child? JAYME CLOSS
- Amber Alert: Wisconsin AMBER Alert Program
- Fundraising: The Closs Family Benefit Account, Sterling Bank, branches in Barron, Chetek, Rice Lake and Luck. [14]
- Twitter Hashtags: #JaymeCloss, #FindJayme
- Local Reporter: Paul Blume (Fox9) - Paul Blume (@PaulBlume_FOX9) | Twitter
- Wisconsin Circuit Court Site: Wisconsin Circuit Court Access
- Barron County Inmate Roster: http://barronsheriff.org/inmate-roster/
- WI Missing Persons: Wisconsin Missing Persons | Clearinghouse for Missing & Exploited Children & Adults
- Hunting seasons in WI: Hunting dates and deadlines - Wisconsin DNR
Sources:
- [1] CNN, "The search for missing Wisconsin teenager Jayme Closs continues", Jayme Closs disappearance: Search for possible evidence along a highway comes up empty. - CNN
- [2] FOX9, "Parents found dead, 13-year-old girl missing in Barron County, Wisconsin", Parents found dead, 13-year-old girl missing in Barron County, Wisconsin
- [3] Barron County Sheriff's Department facebook, Barron County Sheriff's Department
- [4] Daily Mail, "Desperate search for 'missing and endangered' 13-year-old girl after her parents are found shot to death in their home", Two adults found dead in Wisconsin home and a 13-year-old girl is missing | Daily Mail Online
- [5] LEX18, "The Latest: Authorities release names of Wisconsin victims", The Latest: Authorities release names of Wisconsin victims
- [6] WI DNR, "Season dates and application deadlines", Hunting dates and deadlines - Wisconsin DNR
- [7] WXOW, "Jennie-O Turkey remembers employees killed in Barron Co. shooting", Jennie-O Turkey remembers employees killed in Barron Co. shooting
- [8] Daily Mail, "Car 'carrying missing 13-year-old Jayme Closs' caught on camera", Video: Car 'carrying missing 13-year-old Jayme Closs' caught on camera | Daily Mail Online
- [9] Bluefield Daily Telegraph, "Deputies search for Wisconsin girl whose parents are dead", Deputies search for Wisconsin girl whose parents are dead
- [10] Fox9, "Parents found dead, 13-year-old girl missing in Barron County, Wisconsin", Parents found dead, 13-year-old girl missing in Barron County, Wisconsin
- [11] Fox9, Paul Bloom, Paul Blume (@PaulBlume_FOX9) | Twitter
- [12] Fox6, "‘We want to bring Jayme home:’ Investigators release new pictures of missing 13-year-old girl", ‘We want to bring Jayme home:’ Investigators release new pictures of missing 13-year-old girl
- [13] WQOW, live video,
- [14] The Chetek Alert, "Benefit account set up at Sterling Bank for missing Jayme Closs", Benefit account set up at Sterling Bank for missing Jayme Closs
- [15] WEAU, "UPDATE: Sheriff: Missing girl was in home at the time of the murders", UPDATE: Sheriff: Missing girl was in home at the time of the murders
- [16] Leader-Telegram, "Two dead, girl missing in Barron County", Two dead, girl missing in Barron County
- [17] ABC7, "Jayme Closs disappearance: Volunteers join search for Wisconsin girl whose parents were killed", Jayme Closs disappearance: Volunteers join search for Wis. girl whose parents were killed
- [18] Heavy, "Denise Closs & James Closs: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know", Denise Closs & James Closs: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know | Heavy.com
- [19] Jayme's facebook, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008476363462
- [20] NBC, "Teen reported missing after her parents are found dead in Wisconsin home", Teen reported missing after her parents are found dead in Wisconsin home
- [21] WCCO, "Search Continues For 13-Year-Old Wisconsin Girl", Search Continues For 13-Year-Old Wisconsin Girl
- [22] 911 dispatch log, http://media.graytvinc.com/documents/barron+county+call+log.pdf
- [23] Spooner Advocate, "Autopsy results of dead couple coming soon; search for missing teen continues", Autopsy results of dead couple coming soon; search for missing teen continues
- [24] The Chronotype, "Clarification: Chilling details revealed in dispatch record", Clarification: Chilling details revealed in dispatch record
@Wrenny you were asking about a source for Denise being previously married. Her previous married name was Denise Hause. If you search Wisconsin court case records for Denise Hause you will find her prior divorce from 2000.
One source for Denise's prior names
Denise J Closs - Barron, Wisconsin
So James had been divorced for 20 years and Denise for 18 years. Not recent by any stretch.
Huge rewards may bring in tips. But the LE sometimes act like they simply found a perp over a traffic stop and then suddenly realize the connection later. Supposedly.That was certainly true in the Mollie Tibbetts case. I don't know much about rewards in past cases or how useful they have proved to be. It would seem to be an incentive for someone to come forward if they know or suspect anyone. Or to be alert and aware of anything suspicious. Jmo
This site is”victim friendly” in part, for that reason, because friends and family members may be lurking.Being more of a lurker than a contributor, one of the things that has always concerned me here at Websleuths is family members OR possibly perpetrators reading our posts. Does anyone else ever think of this or am I just extra paranoid?
Where are you Jayme??? Please don't let this become a cold case.![]()
Here’s the still pics and how far it is from the Closs house. Wondering if ATVs were involved.