Today, a Dakota County District Court jury found 44-year-old Jason Jones to be 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 found guilty 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 lit her home on fire. The same day, he shot and killed Gene, Janet, and Dana Twiford in their home and set that home on fire.
Jones’ 18-day jury trial began on September 9, 2024. Judge Bryan Meismer moved the trial from Cedar County to Dakota County to ensure a fair trial.
Aggravating circumstances were charged at the beginning of the case for these murders. Today, the jury also returned a verdict finding that the State met the burden of proof for at least one aggravating circumstance.
Jason Jones will face either the death penalty or life in prison when sentenced at a later date.