After 2 Weeks, Search For Jayme Closs Is Changing

BARRON, WI -- Authorities in Barron County said they are changing the way they are searching for Jayme Closs — the missing and still-endangered Wisconsin teen whose parents were found shot and killed in their home on Oct. 15.

"We have transitioned our Emergency Operations Center from a 24/7 reactive operation to a more deliberate and methodical effort to progress the investigation," Barron County Chris Fitzgerald said on Thursday. "This case remains our number one priority and we will have agents from both the FBI and DCI continuing to support our local investigators until we bring Jayme home."

After more than two weeks, investigators say they're no closer to solving the mystery of James and Denise Closs' death and Jayme Closs' disappearance on Oct. 15.

Authorities Share Tragic Events

Information released by local authorities in mid-October shed more light on the tragic moments after Jayme Closs' parents were killed prior to her unexplained disappearance.

The 911 call made to local authorities the morning of the shooting came from the mother's cell phone, and the door to their home was kicked in, investigators said. During the 911 call, dispatchers reported hearing "a lot of yelling" and multiple gunshots. Authorities tried calling the cell phone back, but didn't get an answer. They tried to call the home's land line, only to learn that it had been disconnected.

The transcript's initial entries say that emergency responders were dispatched for an apparent suicide attempt, but that the call was quickly changed to a homicide call. Authorities have not indicated who made the call. A transcript of that 911 call is available here.

Neighbors Shocked

Neighbors Tom and Joan Smrekar woke up early the morning of Oct. 15 to the sound of two gunshots, only seconds apart at 12:31 a.m. They were interviewed by the FBI later that day.
"They were fine neighbors," Tom Smrekar told the Associated Press. "We really don't know them — our contact has been minimal."

Jayme's grandfather, 72-year-old Robert Naiberg told the Minneapolis Star Tribune that nothing appeared out of the ordinary when Jayme and her mother appeared at a family gathering on Oct. 14 while Jayme's dad was at work.

The shooting of the Closses and their daughter's disappearance has rattled the small, tight-knit community, family friend Melissa Salmonson told CBS News.

"Everyone is feeling very helpless right now," Salmonson said, noting that many community members gathered at a vigil last week to "pray for Jayme's safe return." "It makes you hug your kids. It makes you nervous," community member Bethany Stevens told the network. "It's just unsettling."

Family Pleads For Jayme's Return

During a press conference held in Barron County on Wednesday, Oct. 24, Closs' aunt Jennifer Smith pleaded for her niece's safe return.

"Not a moment goes by when we aren't thinking of you and praying for you. Your family and friends miss you so much: your sparkling eyes, your bright smile, your soft little giggles," Smith said. "Your dog, Molly, is waiting for you. She's sleeping in one of your sweatshirts — and will only eat chicken. Grandpa needs new artwork on his fridge. Aunt Susie wants to go jogging in the park with you. I want that girls' shopping date we planned. I even brought your favorite iced coffee with me today."

Investigators said they won't stop looking until they bring her home safely. "The hope is what we're riding on," Fitzgerald said on Oct. 24.

Massive Search Turns Up Empty

An Amber Alert was issued following Jayme Closs' disappearance, and local authorities have been working in partnership with the FBI and Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation. Investigators have released new photos of Closs, deployed K9 officers, used thermal sensors and have conducted a massive foot and door-to-door search.

Over the last two weeks, law enforcement has expanded their search to the entire United States, and have added resources in an attempt to discover anything that can help track down Closs, who is believed to have been kidnapped at gunpoint.

For example, during one of their latest mas-searches on Oct. 23, 2,000 volunteers explored the five square miles around the Closs family home. They marched in 14 groups, outfitted with sticks as they scoured cornfields, prairie lands, backyards, parks and wooded areas for anything that could help: a cell phone, a piece of clothing or even the gun that was used in the shooting.

After seven hours, investigators said that no new evidence had been dug up by volunteers.
"It's unbelievable, we're a small community and for something of this magnitude to happen here, it's just horrific," volunteer Ruth Madison told the local CBS affliate, WCCO.

Authorities are continuing to look for tips about a red or orange Dodge Challenger and a black Ford Edge or Acura MDX sport utility vehicle, Fitzgerald. The vehicles were seen in the Barron vicinity on Oct. 8 and Oct. 22

Fitzgerald didn't elaborate much on how the vehicles may be linked to Closs' disappearance or the death of her parents, saying only that they're "vehicles of interest."

Underwear Stolen In Unexplained Burglary

Authorities say they arrested Kyle Jaenke-Annis, 32, on Saturday after he broke into the Closs home while they were away at a funeral.

Authorities say they were alerted to the suspicious activity by a security system at the home. They say that Jaenke-Annis, who sneaked into the home through an unlocked patio door, was trying to steal her underwear and other items of clothing, including a dress, a pink tank top and a red tank top, according to the criminal complaint, because he was "curious what size Jayme was." Jaenke-Annis, who was free on bond after a previous burglary arrest, was charged with burglary and felony bail jumping.

Fitzgerald said Jaenke-Annis came out with his hands up after the DCI agents ordered him outside. Fitzgerald said Jaenke-Annis was not involved in Jayme Closs' disappearance, though he did not elaborate. Jaenke-Annis reportedly worked at the Jennie-O Turkey Store where the girl's parents worked, according to the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

The accused burglar told investigators "people wouldn't miss" those garments. Deputies found a flashlight on Jaenke-Annis, black gloves and a black mask with a skull on its face, according to the criminal complaint. He's due in court Nov. 7.

Resources Available To Help

The FBI has added her to its top kidnappings and missing persons list. The bureau also said it has posted information about Closs to digital billboards across the nation and asked anyone with information on her whereabouts to contact the FBI.

Besides the new tip line — (855) 744-3879 — the Barron County Sheriff's Department also has added an email address, jaymetips@co.barron.wi.us, where photos or videos related to possible sightings can be submitted.

Photo Via Barron County Sheriff's Department