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HARTINGTON - A Laurel couple accused of murder both waived a formal arraignment and entered not guilty pleas in writing in Cedar County District Court.
In the written pleas, Jason Jones, 43, and Carrie Jones, 44, indicated they understood the charges against them. Jason Jones is charged with four counts of first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree arson and four counts of use of a firearm to commit a felony. Carrie Jones is charged with one count of murder, aiding and abetting a felony and tampering.
They also acknowledged they understood their rights in their respective cases.
On Aug. 4, 2022, first responders were called to the home of Michele Shankles-Ebeling at 209 Elm St., Laurel, around 3 a.m. to the report of an explosion and house fire. About five hours later, local law enforcement on scene noticed smoke coming from the Gene Twiford home just a few blocks away. Although the presence of smoke wasn’t evident for several hours, evidence suggests that the Twiford fire actually started first.
Shankles-Ebeling, Gene Twiford, Janet Twiford and Dana Twiford, were found to have gunshot wounds.
Jason Jones was apprehended at his home the morning after the murders with severe burns over his body and was treated at a Lincoln hospital for several weeks before being released to the Nebraska Department of Corrections.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in his case. Carrie Jones was arrested and charged several months later - in December 2022 - for her alleged role in the murders. Her murder charge relates to the death of Gene Twiford. Prosecutors allege she encouraged her husband to carry out the killing, motivated to do so after years of Gene Twiford’s verbal harassment.
Even though she wasn’t the alleged principal offender, prosecutors said under Nebraska law, her involvement rises to the level where she can be charged with murder.
The court set both Jones’ cases for pre-trial conference July 24. Jason Jones continues to be held at the Nebraska Department of Corrections and Carrie Jones at the Antelope County Jail while their cases wind through the court system.
