A Nebraska man has been sentenced to death for carrying out a series of killings that left four people dead in a single night—crimes prosecutors say were influenced by his wife.
Conviction in Four Killings
Jason Jones, 46, was convicted in September 2024 on 10 felony charges tied to the deaths of four victims: Gene Twiford, 86; Janet Twiford, 85; their daughter Dana Twiford, 55; and neighbor Michele Ebeling, 53.
The killings took place in August 2022 in Laurel, Nebraska, where the victims were found dead in two separate homes that had been set on fire.
Wife’s Role and Prior Conviction
Authorities said Jones acted after repeated complaints from his wife, Carrie Jones, who had accused Gene Twiford of verbally harassing her for years.
In August 2025, Carrie Jones was convicted of first-degree murder in connection with Gene Twiford’s death. She was later sentenced to life in prison, along with an additional 21 to 30 years for accessory and evidence tampering.
Prosecutors argued that her influence played a critical role in the crimes, suggesting the murders may not have occurred without her involvement.
Night of Violence
On Aug. 4, 2022, Jason Jones broke into the Twiford home and shot Gene Twiford. Unaware that Janet and Dana Twiford were also inside, he killed them as well before setting the home on fire.
He then went to a nearby residence and killed Michele Ebeling, another neighbor, before setting that home ablaze.
Aftermath and Arrest
Jones returned home with severe burn injuries but did not seek medical treatment, reportedly fearing it would draw suspicion. He later confessed the killings to his wife, who went to work while he remained at home.
He was arrested less than 24 hours after the murders. Carrie Jones was arrested months later, in December 2022.
Death Sentence Handed Down
A three-judge panel ultimately sentenced Jason Jones to death, citing the severity and brutality of the crimes.
Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers said the ruling reflected the “horrific details” of the case and affirmed that the death penalty was appropriate.
In delivering the sentence, the panel emphasized that four lives were lost and noted that some of the killings were carried out to conceal the crime.
Case Impact
The ruling places Jason Jones on Nebraska’s death row, marking him as one of a small number of inmates facing execution in the state.
Judges described the murders as “terrible, despicable and unforgiving,” underscoring the lasting impact of the violence on the victims’ families and the community.
