A Nebraska man has been sentenced to death after carrying out a series of murders that left four people dead in a single night. Prosecutors said the killings were driven in part by pressure from his wife, making the case especially disturbing.
Conviction and Sentencing
Jason Jones, 46, was convicted in September 2024 on 10 felony charges related to the murders of four victims: Gene Twiford, 86; Janet Twiford, 85; Dana Twiford, 55; and Michele Ebeling, 53.
A three-judge panel has now sentenced him to death. Mike Hilgers, Nebraska’s Attorney General, said the ruling reflected the severity and brutality of the crimes.
Role of His Wife
Carrie Jones, 46, was also convicted for her role in the case. In August 2025, she was found guilty of murdering Gene Twiford. Later that year, she was sentenced to life in prison, along with an additional 21 to 30 years for accessory charges and evidence tampering.
According to investigators, she had repeatedly complained about Gene Twiford, accusing him of verbally harassing her over a long period.
Background and Motive
The investigation revealed that Gene Twiford had a reputation in the community for verbally harassing others and had been asked to leave certain places.
The night before the killings, Jason and Carrie Jones reportedly had a violent argument. During that confrontation, Carrie allegedly threatened him with weapons and demanded he confront Twiford, warning she would take matters into her own hands if he did not.
The Night of the Murders
On August 4, 2022, Jason Jones broke into the Twiford home in Laurel. He shot and killed Gene Twiford, then also killed Janet and Dana Twiford after realizing they were present. He set the house on fire afterward.
He then went to a nearby home and killed Michele Ebeling before setting that property ablaze as well. Prosecutors said Carrie Jones had previously expressed negative opinions about Ebeling.
Aftermath and Arrest
After the attacks, Jason Jones returned home with severe burns but did not seek medical help, fearing it would draw attention. He later confessed the crimes to his wife.
Despite his condition, Carrie Jones left him at home and went to work while he drifted in and out of consciousness.
Jason Jones was arrested less than 24 hours after the murders. Carrie Jones was taken into custody in December 2022.
Final Judgment
A panel of three judges, including Bryan Meismer, unanimously decided on the death sentence. The court emphasized the loss of four lives and noted that some of the killings were carried out to conceal the crime.
The judges described the murders as especially brutal and unforgivable, underscoring the weight of the sentence.
