A three-judge sentencing panel has been named for State of Nebraska v. Jason A. Jones, CR 22 000036, in the District Court for Cedar County.
In September, Jones was found guilty on all four counts of 1st-degree murder in a jury trial held in Dakota County District Court. The 44-year-old man was found guilty in the murders of Michele Ebeling and Gene, Janet, and Dana Twiford on August 4, 2022, in Laurel, Nebraska. Jones shot and killed Michele Ebeling in her home and lit her home on fire. The same day, he shot and killed Gene, Janet, and Dana Twiford in their home and set that home on fire.
Jones was also found guilty of two counts of second-degree arson and four counts of use of a weapon to commit a felony.
In a capital murder case, Nebraska law requires the Chief Justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court to appoint two additional judges to sit on the three-judge panel alongside Presiding Judge Brian Meismer. The judges, Patrick M. Heng (11th Judicial District) and Timothy P. Burns (4th Judicial District) were randomly selected from a statewide list of judges.
Aggravating circumstances were charged at the beginning of the case for the murders. The jury also returned a verdict finding that the State met the burden of proof for at least one aggravating circumstance. Jason Jones will face either the death penalty or life in prison when sentenced at a later date.
When a defendant has been found guilty of murder in the first degree, there are two possible sentences: life imprisonment or imposition of the death penalty. Regardless of whether a jury or a judge made the finding of guilt, the three-judge panel imposes the final sentencing decision. The Panel conducts an evidentiary hearing at which the State and the defendant may adduce evidence on the various factors the Panel must consider before sentencing. Once the Panel has considered the evidence, the relevant statutes, and applicable Nebraska case law, the Panel imposes the defendant’s sentence.
