MINNEAPOLIS _ Authorities in Wisconsin said Monday afternoon they still have no motive in the disappearance of 13-year-old Jayme Closs but have asked the public for help looking for cars that were seen in the area when she disappeared.
At a news conference, Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald said they're looking for a 2008-2014 red or orange Dodge Challenger and a black SUV: Either a 2006-2010 Ford Edge or a 2004-2010 Acura MDX. Cameras on homes and businesses in the area picked up those cars, he said.
"You never know what will bring Jayme home so please call in your tips," he said, asking people to call the tips line if they recognize any of the cars.
The sheriff also asked the public to alert authorities if they have noticed any changes in people who own those types of cars. Perhaps they have stopped driving them or are taking different routes, he said.
Asked if he could provide any assurances to the public, which wants to know if the case was random or targeted, he could not.
"I wish I knew a motive. I wish I knew why this took place," he said.
Earlier, authorities said they're intensifying their search near the family's home where Jayme was last known to be more than a week ago and where her parents were shot dead.
Fitzgerald has put the call out for 2,000 volunteers to participate in a six-hour search Tuesday for evidence in connection with the teen's disappearance and the deaths of her parents, James Closs, 56, and Denise Closs, 46, on Oct. 15 at their home just to the west of the city of Barron.
The sheriff said he could not comment on exactly what the searchers will be looking for on Tuesday: "We will not jeopardize Jayme's safety over the public having knowledge about this case."
Investigators said they have no confirmed sightings of Jayme, who is considered "endangered." The Sheriff's Office said she was in the home at the time her parents were killed. Authorities also have yet to identify who killed the Closses.
Volunteers are being directed to report to the staging area at 1883 Hwy. 25 in Barron, also known as the Hungry Hollow Grounds, no later than 9 a.m. Tuesday. No more than 2,000 volunteers will be accepted.
Searchers must be at least 18 years old, have photo identification and be able to walk on uneven terrain. Proper footwear and cold-weather clothing should be worn.
A search last Thursday for Jayme drew dozens of participants and covered several miles in each direction from the Closs home, which is set back in the woods on Hwy. 8. The search lasted several hours and turned up "nothing of evidentiary value," Fitzgerald said.
Anyone with information is asked to call a 24-hour tip line, 1-855-744-3879, or to e-mail jaymetips@co.barron.wi.us.
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