HARTINGTON, Neb. (TCN) —Â A three-judge panel has sentenced a 46-year-old man to death for killing four people in 2022.
Jason Jones was sentenced April 10, Norfolk Daily News reports. On Aug. 4, 2022, Jones killed 86-year-old Gene Twiford and 85-year-old Janet Twiford, their daughter, 55-year-old Dana Twiford, and Michelle Ebeling, 53. In 2024, a jury found Jones guilty of several charges, including four counts of first-degree murder. Since the crimes included aggravating factors as determined by the jury, Jones became eligible for the death penalty.
According to the Norfolk Daily News, Jones’ wife, Carrie Jones, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of Gene Twiford. She did not carry out the killing herself but had pressured her husband to do something about his behavior, alleging Gene Twiford had made inappropriate comments toward her for years.
According to court documents obtained by the outlet, Jones’ motivation for killing Ebeling is not clear, but he did say Ebeling and her boyfriend often stared at his wife.Â
Nebraska Public Media reports that around 3 a.m. on Aug. 4, 2022, Jones broke into Gene and Janet Twiford’s home with a pry bar and shot the couple. Gene Twiford was found on the bedroom floor, and Janet Twiford was shot in bed.
When Jones encountered the couple’s daughter, Dana Twiford, he fired seven shots at her chest. Jones then poured gasoline throughout the home and lit it on fire. Next, Jones went to the home of the neighbor who lived across the street from him and shot the resident, Ebeling. He then set the home on fire as well.
Investigators linked Jones to the killings using gas receipts and a gun he left on the Twifords’ floor. After his arrest the next day, he was treated for the burns he sustained while setting the fires. Carrie Jones was then arrested and charged. Under on Nebraska law, someone who aids and abets a murder can be convicted of murder, according to Nebraska Public Media.
Per the Norfolk Daily News, Jones will receive an automatic appeal to the Nebraska Supreme Court.
