The Nebraska State Patrol has arrested a suspect in connection with four homicides that occurred in Laurel early Thursday morning. The arrest occurred early Friday morning.
On Thursday Aug 4, firefighters responded to a call about a fire on the 500 block of Elm street, and about the same time an explosion was reported on the 200 block of Elm Street at another home.
Both scenes were examined after flames were extinguished.
Investigators located three deceased victims inside located at 503 Elm Street, each with suspected gunshot wounds. The victims have been identified as Gene Twiford, 86, Janet Twiford, 85, and Dana Twiford, 55. All three were residents of the home.
One deceased victim was located at 209 Elm Street, also with suspected gunshot wounds. That victim has been identified as Michele Ebeling, 53. She was a resident at that home.
Physical evidence located at both scenes led investigators to identify a suspect as Jason Jones, 42, who is a resident of Laurel. Jones was located at his home with severe burns and transported to a Lincoln for injuries. He is currently in custody in the hospital.
The investigation remains ongoing.
