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Judgement issued in Laurel wrongful death case
HARTINGTON – A Laurel woman has been awarded $1 million in damages as part of a wrongful death civil lawsuit involving the murder of her sister.
Gail Curry, the personal representative and sister of Dana Twiford, filed the suit against Jason and Carrie Jones in July.
Last week, Judge Bryan Meismer entered default judgment in the case after time lapsed without either of the Joneses responding to the court filing.
According to the Nebraska Supreme Court, being awarded a judgment does not guarantee collection.
Trying to collect the money requires a separate court process, said Janet Wiechelman, Cedar County District Court Clerk, and can include garnishment of a bank account or wages, or execution which is a court order directing the sheriff to seize property for payment toward a debt.
After an execution is served and property is seized, the sheriff advertises a time and place of sale.
Proceeds from the sale are applied to sale expenses and then the judgment.
The wrongful death suit briefly stated Jason Jones broke into the Laurel home where Twiford lived and killed her and her parents on Aug. 4, 2022, and that Carrie Jones conspired, planned and provided support for the killing.
As a result of “extreme physical and emotional damages sustained by Dana associated with the events leading up to her death,” her next of of kin sought survivorship damages, as well as “extreme emotional, psychological and financial damages from the loss.”
Along with funeral bills, the judgment provides compensation for loss of comfort, society, companionship and financial support and other expenses related to Dana Twifords' death.
Dana Twiford’s next of kin are listed as Curry, Jill Olesen, and Todd Twiford.
In September, Jason Jones was convicted of four counts of murder.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.
His wife, Carrie Jones, has yet to stand trial for her alleged involvement. She is currently being held at the Antelope County jail.
Recently, the execution process was used to sell two of the Jones’ vehicles to satisfy a judgment due to Hansen Brothers, Laurel.
A Ford Mustang and a Hummer H3 were seized and sold at auction Nov. 1.
