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The aunt of the Wisconsin teenager, missing after the murder of her parents at the family's home, expressed her joy and restrained her tears when she recounted that she had received the news of the death of her niece. (January 11)
AP

GORDON, WIS – Jayme Closs, the Wisconsin teenager missing for 88 days, was reunited with his aunt Friday afternoon, authorities said.

Barron County Sheriff, Chris Fitzgerald, said that Jayme, 13, was scheduled to join the additional family members on Friday and that her aunt has taken custody for her at the moment.

Jayme's parents, James, 56, and Denise, 46, were killed during the kidnapping of their daughter in October, while Jake Patterson reportedly opened the door of the Closs home with a shotgun and the purpose of removing Jayme.

"She's doing as well as circumstances permit," Fitzgerald said.

Family friend Michelle Saffert said that there was a lot of screaming and tears when Jayme's aunt contacted her for the first time. The family is ecstatic, said Saffert of Rice Lake, Wisconsin.

Jayme Closs poses with her aunt Jennifer Smith and her dog, with whom she was reunited on Friday. The photo was posted on the Healing for Jayme Closs Facebook page. (Photo: Jennifer Smith)

Parents having passed the preparation on Friday, Jayme felt safe and comfortable when she returned home.

"It was miraculous," Saffert said. "Just miraculous."

More: The purpose of the suspect was to abduct Jayme Closs, not killing his parents, according to the police

More: Jayme Closs is "traumatized," says a woman who helped a Wisconsin teenager get safe

At a press conference held on Friday, Fitzgerald did not I did not want to divulge the details of what happened to Jayme during his imprisonment. He also did not answer the question of whether she had been assaulted, stating that he did not want to disclose details that could hinder his recovery.

Patterson was detained at Barron County Jail under two counts of first degree homicide and a kidnapping leader.

Jayme, who was dirty and skinny with tangled hair, runs away from home Thursday afternoon after Patterson leaves.

Jeanne Nutter, who was walking her dog, heard her cry for help as the girl rushed to the street around 4:30 pm. Thursday.

She drove Jayme to a nearby house and knocked on the door.

Patterson was arrested after Jayme provided the Douglas County Sheriff's Department with his name and a description of his vehicle. Police believe that Patterson may have been looking for her when a police officer saw the car, intercepted it and stopped it, authorities said.

"Jayme is the hero in this business," Fitzgerald said. "There is no doubt about it."

More: Elizabeth Smart: "What a miracle !!! Jayme Closs was found & # 39;

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