Family of Laurel homicide victim suing murder suspects for wrongful death

HARTINGTON, Neb. (KCAU) — Two people facing charges for a quadruple homicide in Laurel, Neb. are now facing a civil suit for the death of one of the victims.

Gail Curry filed the lawsuit on July 16 in Cedar County District Court and is suing Jason and Carrie Jones for wrongful death and survivorship damages for the death of Dana Twiford , 55. Curry is the representative for Dana Twiford’s estate as well as one of her living next of kin.

Dana Twiford was the daughter of Gene Twiford, 86, and Janet Twiford, 85. The lawsuit states that Jason Jones, 44, broke into their Laurel home and killed them. Carrie Jones conspired, planned, and supported in the killings, the complaint states.

Curry is seeking payment for the “extreme physical and emotional damages” Dana Twiford suffered leading up to her death. Curry said she and other family members suffered “extreme emotional, psychological, and financial damages” from Dana Twiford’s death.

Court documents asks for a judgment against Jason and Carrie Jones for “economic damages, non-economic damages, survivorship damages, wrongful death damages, funeral bills, and financial losses” and other expenses related to Dana Twiford’s death.

Summons for Jason and Carrie Jones have been issued but court records don’t show that they have yet been served.

Jason Jones is faces charges for the killing of Dana Twiford, Gene Twiford, Janet Twiford, and Michelle Ebeling , 53, on Aug. 4, 2022, and then trying to set the victims’ two homes on fire. He faces charges of a total of 10 charges: four counts of first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree arson charges, and four counts of the use of a firearm to commit a felony. He pleaded not guilty to the charges in May 2023.

Jason Jones’ trial has been moved from Cedar County to Dakota County after a judge ruled that Jason Jones could not receive a fair trial in Cedar County . The judge stated in his order that “there is no question that the potential jury pol will be affected in this case” due to the publicity of the case, the size of the community, and the nature of the charges.

His trial is set to start on September 9. If convicted, Jason Jones faces the possibility of the death penalty

Jason Jones’ wife, Carrie, also faces charges, charged with first-degree murder along with accessory to a felony and tampering with evidence.

Carrie Jones, 45, Jason Jones’ wife, faces charges first-degree murder in connection to the death of Gene Twiford, along with the charges of tampering with evidence and accessory to a felony. She pleaded not guilty in May 2023.

Potential jurors in her case are being sent a supplemental questionnaire to determine if an unbiased jury can be seated in Cedar County. The judge in the case is also deciding whether to suppress statements made by Carrie Jones, according to court documents

Carrie Jones’ pretrial is currently scheduled for August 26, 2024.

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