Elizabeth Smart, who was kidnapped and held prisoner for nine months when she was 14 years old, celebrated the escape of 13-year-old Jayme Closs after three months of captivity.
“What a miracle!!!” Smart posted on Instagram. “I’m so thrilled to hear the news. What has been such a heart-wrenching tragedy finally has some happiness in the story.”
Wisconsin authorities have arrested Jake Thomas Patterson, 21, and charged him with killing Closs’ parents and kidnapping the 13-year-old on Oct. 15. Closs was found wandering alone in Gordon, Wisc., about an hour north of her home.