A Madison County jury has found Carrie Jones guilty of first-degree murder, evidence tampering, and acting as an accessory in a 2022 quadruple homicide that devastated the small community of Laurel, Nebraska. The verdict came Thursday afternoon after less than four hours of deliberation, concluding a trial moved from Cedar County in an effort to find an impartial jury for a case that has drawn intense public attention.
Prosecutors argued that Jones played a pivotal role in the killing of 86-year-old Gene Twiford, encouraging her husband, Jason Jones, to carry out the shooting that also claimed the lives of Twiford’s wife, Janet, their daughter, Dana, and a neighbor, Michele Ebeling. All four victims were shot before their homes were set on fire.
Lead prosecutor Corey O’Brien told jurors that Jason Jones acted at the urging of his wife, describing him as a “puppet” she controlled “from behind the curtain.” The state pointed to DNA evidence—Carrie’s profile was the most prominent found on the magazine of ammunition used to kill Twiford—and to a series of text messages in the days leading up to the murders as proof of her involvement.
According to the defense, Jason Jones not only planned but carried out the murders, with intentions to take his own life once the deed was finished. Jason took the stand and insisted that not only was his wife innocent, but that she didn’t push him to go forward with the crime. Defense attorney Doug Stratton acknowledged that Carrie made “horrible decisions” that night, including actions to protect her husband after the murders, but argued those occurred after the fact and did not amount to aiding in the killings.
The August 4, 2022, murders shook Laurel, a town of fewer than 1,000 residents. Authorities say Gene and Janet Twiford were well-known in the community, and their daughter Dana often helped care for them. Two blocks away, neighbor Michele Ebeling was also killed and her home set ablaze. Investigators believe Carrie Jones’ claim that Gene Twiford had been harassing her was a factor in the motive for the crimes.
Months of investigation revealed no evidence that the victims had been involved in any criminal activity. At trial, prosecutors emphasized that the killings were deliberate, and that Carrie’s communications, actions, and DNA linked her directly to the violence.
Carrie Jones showed little visible reaction as the verdict was read. In the gallery, friends and relatives of the victims wept quietly. A statement by the Twiford family reads:
“We are relieved by today’s conviction and deeply appreciate the hard work of the legal team and law enforcement throughout this process. We’re also incredibly grateful to the jury for their time and dedication during such a long and difficult trial.
While this marks another step toward justice for our loved ones, we recognize that the legal proceedings in the death penalty case are still ongoing and must be respected.
Our focus remains on healing and honoring our Mother/Grandma, Father/Grandpa, and Sister/Aunt—carrying their love and memories with us every day.”
Under Nebraska law, Carrie Jones faces a mandatory life sentence without parole for her murder conviction. Sentencing is scheduled for November 20, 2025—the same day Jason Jones, convicted last year of four counts of first-degree murder and two counts of arson, is due back in court for a hearing that will determine whether he is sentenced to death or life in prison.
