The Nebraska State Patrol has arrested a man they say killed four people in Laurel early Thursday morning. Three of the victims were found in one burning home and the other victim was found in a second home that was also on fire.
State Patrol investigators say all four victims had been shot. Physical evidence located at both scenes led investigators to identify 42 year old Jason Jones as the suspect. He is a resident of Laurel and lives across the street from one of the crime scenes.
Investigators developed information to believe that Jones was inside his home at 206 Elm Street in Laurel. “The NSP SWAT Team was activated, and an arrest warrant was obtained for Jones,” Bolduc says. “Following repeated attempts to have Jones exit the home voluntarily, the SWAT Team made entry into the home and located Jones in a bedroom, with severe burns”
Jones was airlifted to St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Lincoln for treatment of his burn injuries. The victims have been identified as 86 year old Gene Twiford, 85 year old Janet Twiford and 55 year old Dana Twiford. The person found dead in the second home is identified as 53 year old Michelle Ebeling.
The investigation is ongoing.