Madison, Nebraska — Testimony in a murder trial in Northeast Nebraska has begun. Carrie Jones is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly assisting her husband, Jason Jones, in the deaths of four people in Laurel, Nebraska, in 2022.
Carrie Jones sat quietly as testimony began on Wednesday at the Madison Courthouse in Madison, Nebraska. By the end of the day, the prosecution had summoned approximately half a dozen witnesses.
A 911 operator, a volunteer firefighter, and local and state police officers all responded to what was initially thought to be a house fire. These witnesses also described how Michele Ebeling’s body was discovered inside the home.
Royce Fairley, Jones’ neighbor who called 911 to report a fire at Michele Ebeling’s home, also testified. He described how he came across Carrie Jones and a “shadowy figure” outside the Jones home after going outside to get a better look at Ebeling’s house fire.
“Carrie approached us and said, ‘Oh my gosh, what’s going on? You know, this is crazy. Kind of excited, not joyous, but a little over the top, I suppose. So, as we were talking to Carrie, he was shuffling in the background, moving towards his house while also keeping an eye on me and Chris,” said Royce Fairley, Carrie Jones’ neighbor.
After first responders arrived and discovered Ebeling’s body, Laurel’s Chief of Police, Ron Lundahl, went to speak with Fairley and his roommate about what they witnessed, including Carrie and the shadowy figure.
After speaking with Fairley, Chief Lundahl knocked on the Jones’ door several times to see if they had witnessed anything about the fire.
“Did she appear to understand your questions?” the prosecution inquired.
“Yes,” responded Chief of Police Ron Lundahl.
“Did she answer your questions overly?”
“I believe so.”
“Do you recall any type of, you know, hand gestures or head nods or anything like that indicating she was in any kind of stress?”
“No, I did not.”
“Being held against her will?”
“No.”
Cale Curry, the daughter of Gene and Janet Twiford, also testified on Wednesday, telling the jury about her family and their daily routines.
