Community Says Goodbye to Missing Girl's Parents

And reward doubles in search for Jayme Closs

By Neal Colgrass, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 28, 2018 2:22 PM CDT

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Reward Doubles for Missing Teen — This undated photo provided by Barron County, Wis., Sheriff’s Department, shows Jayme Closs. Authorities say that Closs, a missing teenage girl, could be in danger after two adults were found dead at a home in Barron, Wis., on Monday, Oct. 15, 2018. (Courtesy of Barron County Sheriff’s Department via AP)

The reward for bringing back a missing Wisconsin girl doubled Friday as a grieving community said goodbye to her parents, ABC News reports. The reward for helping find 13-year-old Jayme Closs rose to $50,000 from $25,000 with the help of Jennie-O Turkey Store, a company where Jayme's parents, James and Denise Closs, had worked. They were shot dead at home in Barron, Wisconsin, on Oct. 15, the day Jayme went missing. Hundreds of people turned out for a joint funeral service Saturday for James, 56, and Denise, 46, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports.

"I just hope they're at peace," said a gasping Missy Ruffin, who had worked with the Closses at a Jennie-O turkey plant. "They didn't hurt nobody. They didn’t bother nobody. Why?" That's the question police remain unable to answer, despite receiving hundreds of tips and conducting searches with masses of volunteers. "I don’t know why this took place,” says Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald. "The extended family continues to struggle. I can't imagine what the family is going through, laying two to rest and still one to bring home." But he says his department and other police agencies are still seeking answers: "Everybody wants to bring Jayme home." (Authorities believe Jayme is still alive.)

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