Trial may proceed without defendant

HARTINGTON – A Laurel man wants to waive his personal appearance at trial where he is accused of four murders.

In the latest court filing in Cedar County District Court, Jason Jones’ lawyer, Todd Lancaster of the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy, said Jones has surface burns on more than 40 percent of his body, including the lower and upper extremities and his back, covered with skin graphs.

Jones requires the assistance of a wheelchair and is only able to walk short distances. Due to his injuries, it is difficult for Jones to sit upright for long periods of time and to concentrate, Lancaster said.

He has not appeared in person in Cedar County District Court for any of the proceedings, only appearing once through video conferencing. He has waived his appearances.

In the latest motion, Lancaster cited case law in which the defendants’ identity may be used in photographs at trial. In those instances where a defendant does not appear personally, the jury should be informed not to draw any conclusions about the absence, Lancaster said.

Judge Bryan Meismer has not yet ruled on the motion to waive appearances at the trial set for September in Dakota County.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Jones in the deaths of his neighbors Gene Twiford, Janet Twiford, Dana Twiford and Michele Shankles-Ebeling in Laurel on Aug. 4, 2022.

Jones’ next court date is set for a status hearing on May 28 by video.

His wife, Carrie Jones, is also accused of the murder of Gene Twiford, tampering with evidence and accessory to a felony.

Her next court appearance is set for June 3.