Trial begins for Laurel woman accused of helping husband in murder of 4

The trial begins Monday for a Cedar County woman accused of encouraging her husband to kill one man and serving as an accessory in the murders of three other people.

Carrie Jones, 46, is charged in the homicide of Gene Twiford in his Laurel, Nebraska, home. Prosecutors claim the woman was outraged by inappropriate public comments made by the 86-year-old.

Last fall, a jury convicted her husband, Jason Jones, of murdering three members of the Twiford family and a fourth person.

Carrie Jones is accused of aiding and abetting Gene Twiford’s murder, hiding evidence, and interfering with the police investigation of all four homicides.

The investigation began in 2022 when firefighters in Laurel responded to an explosion and fire. Inside the burning home, they discovered Michelle Ebeling had been shot and killed. A few hours later, at a second fire call, police found the bodies of Twiford, his wife Janet Twiford, and their daughter Dana. All had been shot.

Police linked the two crime scenes to Jason Jones.

Investigators located a pistol in his home and evidence Jones had filled a gas can with fuel just before the fires had ignited. Jones badly burned himself while setting the second house ablaze. Evidence at his trial indicated he may have intentionally ignited himself.

Jason Jones was convicted by a Dakota County jury last September. He awaits a hearing before three judges to decide whether his actions warrant the death penalty.

The defense has Jason Jones listed as a possible witness in the trial.

The judge in both cases ruled the trial needed to be moved out of Cedar County to ensure an impartial jury could be selected. Monday’s trial convenes in Madison County.

Carrie Jones’ defense attorney, Doug Stratton, filed motions asking the judge to block prosecutors from presenting evidence that could prejudice the jury. A motion filed in June raises concerns prosecutors “may attempt to introduce evidence regarding Mrs. Jones’ religious beliefs,” which may involve “witchcraft, voodoo… or the occult,” which were included in texts and recorded phone conversations.

Another motion asks the judge to bar evidence and testimony related to court-ordered protection orders requested against Carrie Jones by other Laurel residents upset with her allegedly abusive behavior.

Judge Bryan Meismer is reviewing those and two other motions and expects to offer a ruling before the trial gets underway.

The names of almost 200 witnesses have been filed with the court. While not all are likely to be called, dozens are expected to be heard from by the time the trial concludes.