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Jury returns verdict in quadruple murder trial in Nebraska

The jury has reached a verdict in the trial of the man accused of a quadruple murder in Nebraska. Jason Jones was convicted of four counts of first-degree murder, four counts of using a firearm to commit a felony and two counts of second-degree arson, KCAU, our sister station in Sioux City, reported. In August 2022, a total of four people were found dead in two separate houses. The four victims were 53-year-old Michele Ebeling, 86-year-old Gene Twiford, 85-year-old Janet Twiford and 55-year-old Dana Twiford. Jones now faces the death penalty. The jury also decided Thursday that the state had proven that there were aggravating circumstances behind the murders – Janet and Dana Twiford were murdered to cover up the murder of Gene Twiford. Here are Nebraska's 11 death row inmates and their crimes. They will now be referred to a three-judge panel that will decide on the death penalty. If convicted later, Jones faces either the death penalty or life in prison. KCAU reported that jurors heard closing arguments Wednesday after more than a week of testimony from two dozen witnesses and hundreds of pieces of evidence. In a statement, Nebraska State Trooper Tyler Mann said what appeared to be a suicide note from Jason was found on a cellphone. Jones apologized to his wife and referred to “taking others with him,” according to KCAU. READ MORE: Nebraska State Patrol investigators describe crime scene photos and videos in quadruple homicide testimony. KCAU said jurors made a recording of a phone call Jones allegedly made to his mother. In the call, Jason Jones was allegedly heard saying that Carrie Jones was struggling with harassment from Gene Twiford, but they couldn't go to the police. Prosecutors allege that Carrie, Jason's wife, killed Gene Twiford herself and helped hide her husband and evidence. Carrie Jones is charged with first-degree murder, aiding and abetting a felony and tampering with evidence. The trial took place in Dakota County, not Cedar County, where Laurel is located. A judge ruled that “the pervasive publicity would make it impossible” for Jones to receive a fair trial in Cedar County and that the county would “have a difficult time” assembling a jury pool, court documents said. The Twiford family released a statement following the trial on Thursday: “We are relieved by today's conviction and appreciate the hard work of the legal team and law enforcement throughout this trial.” We would also like to thank the jury for their time and attention throughout this long trial . While this is a step toward justice for our loved ones, we must respect the ongoing investigation and trial in the second case. Our focus remains on healing and honoring our mom/grandma, dad/grandpa and sister/aunt while we carry their love and memories in our hearts every day.” Click here for the latest headlines from KETV NewsWatch 7

DAKOTA COUNTY, Neb. –

The jury has reached a verdict in the trial of the man charged in a quadruple murder in Nebraska.

Jason Jones was convicted of four counts of first-degree murder, four counts of using a firearm to commit a felony and two counts of second-degree arson, KCAU, our sister station in Sioux City, reported.

In August 2022, a total of four people were found dead in two separate houses.

The four victims were 53-year-old Michele Ebeling, 86-year-old Gene Twiford, 85-year-old Janet Twiford and 55-year-old Dana Twiford.

Jones now faces the death penalty. The jury also decided Thursday that the state had proven that there were aggravating circumstances behind the murders – Janet and Dana Twiford were murdered to cover up the murder of Gene Twiford.

Here are Nebraska's 11 death row inmates and their crimes

The case will now go to a three-judge panel to decide whether to impose the death penalty.

Jones faces either the death penalty or life in prison if convicted at a later date.

KCAU reported that jurors heard closing arguments Wednesday after more than a week of testimony from two dozen witnesses and hundreds of pieces of evidence.

In a statement, Nebraska State Trooper Tyler Mann said what appeared to be a suicide note from Jason Jones was found on a cellphone in which he apologized to his wife and advised that he would “take others with him,” according to KCAU.

READ MORE: Nebraska State Patrol investigators describe crime scene photos and videos in quadruple murder testimony

KCAU said jurors heard a recording of a phone conversation Jones allegedly had with his mother. In the call, Jason Jones was allegedly heard saying that Carrie Jones had dealt with Gene Twiford's harassment, but they couldn't go to the police.

Prosecutors allege Carrie, Jason's wife, killed Gene Twiford herself and helped hide her husband and evidence. Carrie Jones is charged with first-degree murder, aiding and abetting a felony and tampering with evidence.

The trial took place in Dakota County, not Cedar County, where Laurel is located. A judge ruled that the pervasive publicity made it impossible for Jones to receive a fair trial in Cedar County and that the county would “have a difficult time” assembling a jury pool, according to court documents.

The Twiford family released a statement following Thursday's proceedings.

“We are relieved by today’s conviction and appreciate the hard work of the legal team and law enforcement throughout this process. We would also like to thank the jury for their time and attention during this long trial. While this is a step toward justice for our loved ones, we must respect the ongoing investigation and trial in the second case. Our focus continues to be on healing and honoring our mom/grandma, dad/grandpa, and sister/aunt while we carry their love and memories in our hearts every day.”

Click here for the latest headlines from KETV NewsWatch 7

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