In the small town of Laurel, Nebraska, the morning of August 4, 2022, was shattered by violence that claimed the life of 55-year-old Dana Twiford, a white female, along with three other residents. The tragic events unfolded at two separate homes, leaving the community in shock. Dana was found deceased in her parents' home alongside her father, Gene Twiford, and mother, Janet Twiford. All three had been shot, and their house was intentionally set on fire. A fourth victim, Michele Ebeling, was also found shot to death in her home, which had also been set ablaze.
The investigation quickly led law enforcement to a neighbor, Jason Jones. Within a day of the discoveries, he was arrested and charged with four counts of first-degree murder. Investigators found that Jones had shot and killed Michele Ebeling before proceeding to the Twiford residence, where he shot and killed Gene, Janet, and Dana. After the murders, he set both homes on fire in an attempt to destroy evidence. During the commission of these crimes, Jones sustained severe burns.
Further investigation revealed the involvement of Jason Jones's wife, Carrie Jones. Prosecutors argued that Carrie Jones was the catalyst for the horrific events. She had expressed intense anger towards Gene Twiford, alleging that he had been verbally harassing her. Text messages between the couple revealed conversations about killing him months prior to the incident. It was alleged that Carrie Jones goaded her husband into action, telling him to "take care of the problem" the day before the murders. Following the killings and arsons, she attempted to help her husband hide and tamper with evidence, including disposing of his burnt clothing and deleting text messages.
In September 2024, Jason Jones was found guilty of four counts of first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree arson, and four counts of use of a weapon to commit a felony. Following his conviction, a jury determined that the circumstances of the crimes warranted a potential death sentence, a decision that will be made by a three-judge panel. Carrie Jones was also brought to justice for her role in the murders. In August 2025, a jury found her guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Gene Twiford, as well as evidence tampering and being an accessory to a felony. Her conviction for first-degree murder carries a mandatory life sentence.
