Nebraska AG Responds to Death Sentence for Quadruple Murderer

Jason Jones convicted of killing four in Laurel, Nebraska in 2022

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:12pm

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An extreme close-up of a single spent shell casing on a pitch-black background, dramatically lit by a harsh camera flash to create a stark, investigative aesthetic without words.A stark, gritty image of physical evidence from a brutal quadruple homicide case that resulted in a court-ordered death sentence.Laurel Today

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers praised the three-judge panel's decision to sentence Jason Jones to death for the 2022 murders of four people in Laurel, Nebraska. Jones, 44, was found guilty of first-degree murder, arson, and weapons charges after a jury trial in 2024.

Why it matters

The death penalty remains a controversial and divisive issue in Nebraska, with ongoing debates around its application and morality. This case highlights the state's continued use of capital punishment for the most serious crimes.

The details

On August 4, 2022, Jones shot and killed Michele Ebeling in her home and set her house on fire. That same day, he also shot and killed Gene, Janet, and Dana Twiford in their home and set it ablaze. A jury trial in 2024 found Jones guilty on all charges, including first-degree murder, arson, and weapons offenses. Aggravating circumstances were proven, leading the three-judge panel to impose the death sentence.

  • On August 4, 2022, Jones committed the quadruple murders and arsons.
  • The jury trial began on September 9, 2024 and ended on September 26, 2024.
  • The three-judge panel issued the death sentence order on April 10, 2026.

The players

Mike Hilgers

The Nebraska Attorney General who praised the court's decision and oversaw the prosecution of the case.

Jason Jones

A 44-year-old man convicted of four counts of first-degree murder, two counts of arson, and four counts of use of a weapon to commit a felony for the 2022 killings of Michele Ebeling and the Twiford family.

Judge Bryan Meismer

The judge who presided over the jury trial of Jason Jones in 2024, moving the proceedings from Cedar County to Dakota County to ensure a fair trial.

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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.”

— Mike Hilgers, Nebraska Attorney General

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Jason Jones to appeal the death sentence.

The takeaway

This case highlights the continued use of capital punishment in Nebraska for the most serious crimes, despite ongoing debates around its application and morality. The thorough judicial process and aggravating factors led to the imposition of the death penalty for the quadruple homicide.