Nebraska Man Sentenced to Death for Quadruple Murders

Husband killed neighbors at wife's urging, leading to four deaths in one night

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:51pm

An extreme close-up photograph of a metallic bullet casing reflecting the harsh light of a camera flash, conveying the stark and gritty nature of the violent crimes.A single spent bullet casing, a chilling remnant of the quadruple homicide that shook a small Nebraska town.Dakota City Today

A Nebraska man named Jason Jones has been sentenced to death for a quadruple murder he committed in 2022 at the urging of his wife, Carrie Jones. The victims were an elderly couple, their daughter, and another neighbor. Carrie Jones had previously complained to her husband about the elderly neighbor verbally harassing her, and on the night of the murders, she threatened her husband to deal with the neighbor or she would do it herself. Jason Jones broke into the Twiford home, killed the three family members, and then went to another neighbor's home and killed her as well. Carrie Jones was previously convicted and sentenced to life in prison for her role in the crimes.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences that can occur when domestic disputes escalate to violence, as well as the complex dynamics of how a spouse's influence can lead to horrific crimes. It also raises questions about the role of mental health, domestic abuse, and the death penalty in the criminal justice system.

The details

On the night of August 4, 2022, Jason Jones broke into the home of 86-year-old Gene Twiford, his 85-year-old wife Janet Twiford, and their 55-year-old daughter Dana Twiford. Jason Jones shot and killed all three of them, then set their house on fire. He then went to the home of another neighbor, 53-year-old Michele Ebeling, and killed her as well. Carrie Jones had previously complained to her husband about Gene Twiford verbally harassing her, and on the night of the murders, she threatened her husband to deal with Twiford or she would do it herself. Jason Jones confessed the crimes to his wife, who then left him at home while he was severely burned and did not seek medical attention, believing it would raise suspicion.

  • On August 4, 2022, Jason Jones committed the quadruple murders.
  • In August 2025, Carrie Jones was sentenced to life in prison plus 21-30 years for her role in the crimes.
  • On April 11, 2026, a three-judge panel unanimously sentenced Jason Jones to death for the murders.

The players

Jason Jones

A 46-year-old Nebraska man who was convicted of 10 felony charges, including four counts of murder, for the killings of his neighbors in 2022.

Carrie Jones

The 46-year-old wife of Jason Jones, who was convicted of first-degree murder and accessory charges for her role in the 2022 quadruple homicide.

Gene Twiford

An 86-year-old man who was killed by Jason Jones, along with his wife and daughter, after Carrie Jones had complained about him verbally harassing her.

Janet Twiford

The 85-year-old wife of Gene Twiford, who was killed by Jason Jones along with her husband and daughter.

Dana Twiford

The 55-year-old daughter of Gene and Janet Twiford, who was killed by Jason Jones along with her parents.

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What they’re saying

“We are grateful for the work of the three-judge panel and their thorough and well-reasoned order. The panel laid out the horrific details surrounding the quadruple homicide Jason Jones committed and explained why the death penalty is an appropriate sentence.”

— Mike Hilgers, Nebraska Attorney General

“This s—'s gotta stop or I'm gonna kill him”

— Carrie Jones

“a very difficult woman”

— Jason Jones

What’s next

Jason Jones will be the 12th person on Nebraska's death row. His execution date has not yet been set.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the devastating consequences that can occur when domestic disputes escalate to violence, as well as the complex dynamics of how a spouse's influence can lead to horrific crimes. It also raises important questions about mental health, domestic abuse, and the role of the death penalty in the criminal justice system.