Today, in Dakota County District Court, Jason Jones, 44, was found guilty of the first-degree murders of Michele Ebeling and Gene, Janet, and Dana Twiford on August 4, 2022, in Laurel, Nebraska. Jones was also convicted of two counts of second-degree arson and four counts of use of a weapon to commit a felony.
On August 4, 2022, Jones shot and killed Michele Ebeling in her home and set her house on fire. On the same day, he shot and killed Gene, Janet, and Dana Twiford in their home before setting that residence ablaze as well.
The jury trial began on September 9, 2024, under Judge Bryan Meismer and concluded on September 26, 2024. To ensure a fair trial, Judge Meismer relocated the proceedings from Cedar County to Dakota County.
Aggravating circumstances were charged at the start of the case for these murders. The jury found that the State met the burden of proof for at least one aggravating circumstance. As a result, Jones will face either the death penalty or life imprisonment when sentenced at a later date.
Nebraska law requires that in capital murder cases the Chief Justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court appoint two additional judges to join Judge Meismer on a three-judge panel. Further proceedings will be scheduled after this appointment.
"The Nebraska Attorney General’s Office is pleased with the outcome and thanks the jury for their hard work in this case," stated an official from the Attorney General's Office.
This case was investigated and prosecuted by the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office with assistance from the Nebraska State Patrol, the Nebraska State Fire Marshal's Office, and the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office.