Kidnapping victim Jayme Closs honored by Wisconsin Assembly

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Jayme Closs is being honored by the Wisconsin Assembly as a "hometown hero."

#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. Jayme was abducted from Barron County for 88 days before escaping her captor and found help. #JaymeClossStrong pic.twitter.com/guoNDZrBcr

— FBI Milwaukee (@FBIMilwaukee) May 15, 2019

The 13-year-old Closs appeared with family members and friends to receive her honor in the Assembly chamber on Wednesday. It was a rare public appearance for Closs, who escaped her kidnapper in January after being held captive in a remote northwestern Wisconsin cabin for three months.

Her aunt, Jen Smith, accepted the award and said Closs's bravery and spirit are inspiring. Closs stood behind her aunt but did not speak.

Jake Patterson has pleaded guilty to kidnapping Closs and killing her parents on Oct. 15. He faces life in prison when sentenced on May 24.