Lawyers ask for more time in murder cases

HARTINGTON — Lawyers defending a Laurel couple accused of murder say they need more time to process the volume of discovery documents.

Carrie Jones and Jason Jones were set to appear Monday, July 24, but both of their counsels have asked for the cases to be continued.

“Discovery consists of audio recordings, video recordings, written reports, etc. Discovery involves over eight terabytes of information that needs to be reviewed. Counsel is working diligently to review the same, but additional time is necessary in order to properly assess,” read the motion filed by Doug and Nathan Stratton, who are defending Carrie Jones in the case.

Todd Lancaster, representing Jason Jones, also asked for a continuance in that case citing more time needed for discovery.

Jason Jones also waived his right to a speedy trial in court filings this week.

Jason Jones’ next court date won’t be until next year - set for Jan. 22, 2024. Carrie Jones is still expected to appear Monday.

At that time, Judge Bryan Meismer may rule on continuing her case.

Jason Jones is charged with four counts of first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree arson and four counts of use of a firearm to commit a felony. Carrie Jones is charged with one count of murder, aiding and abetting a felony and tampering.

On Aug. 4, 2022, first responders were called to the home of Michele Shankles-Ebeling at 209 Elm St., Laurel, around 3 a.m. to the report of an explosion and house fire.

About five hours later, local law enforcement on scene noticed smoke coming from the Gene Twiford home just a few blocks away. Although the presence of smoke wasn’t evident for several hours, evidence suggests that the Twiford fire actually started first.

Shankles-Ebeling, Gene Twiford, Janet Twiford and Dana Twiford, were found to have gunshot wounds.

Jason Jones was apprehended at his home the morning after the murders with severe burns over his body and was treated at a Lincoln hospital for several weeks before being released to the Nebraska Department of Corrections.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in his case.

Lancaster filed a motion to quash the death penalty. Lancaster and prosecutor, Corey O’Brien of the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, argued the constituionality of the death penalty. Ultimately, Meismer denied Lancaster’s motion.

Carrie Jones was arrested and charged several months later - in December 2022 - for her alleged role in the murders. Her murder charge related to the death of Gene Twiford. Prosecutors allege she encouraged her husband to carry out his killing, motivated to do so after years of Gene Twiford’s verbal harassment.

In another county murder case, David Phillips, Jr., 21, also had his case delayed. A new pre-trial conference was set in the case in August.

Phillips, a Louisiana man, is accused of second-degree murder in the shooting death of 31-year-old Israel Matos-Colon, Fowlerville, Mich.

The shooting occurred March 1 at a U.S. Cellular tower worksite about two miles north of Hartington. Court documents indicate a verbal argument broke out between the two men prior to the shooting.

He’s also accused of use of a firearm to commit a felony and possession of a stolen firearm.