On Tuesday, officials in Kansas verified that the two women who disappeared last month were among the remains discovered in Oklahoma over the weekend. An investigation into their murder has resulted in four arrests.
According to a social media post by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday, the victims have been identified as Jilian Kelley, 39 years old, and Veronica Butler, 27 years old, according to the state medical examiner. Authorities did not immediately release the causes of death.
The two Kansas women went missing while traveling to Oklahoma to collect children for a birthday celebration. Authorities detained a two-week operation to ensure the children’s safety and prevent violence, during which the four individuals were arrested on accusations of abduction and murder.
Hugoton, Kansa, residents Butler, and Kelley were reportedly making their way from the Oklahoma panhandle to Kansas on March 30 to celebrate Butler’s children’s birthday. Later that day, their car was discovered abandoned on a remote roadway close to the Oklahoma-Kansas state boundary, with signs of foul play.
In connection with the killings of Butler and Kelley, four individuals—Tad Bert Cullum, 54, Tiffany Machel Adams, 50, Cole Earl Twombly, and 44—Cora Twombly—were apprehended on Saturday on counts of first-degree murder.
Adams was involved in a custody dispute involving Butler’s children, and an unsealed document states that she is their paternal grandmother. The affidavit claims that Adams and Callum were romantically involved.
An adolescent witness told detectives that the four suspects were members of an anti-government group known as “God’s Misfits” and that they gathered often at the Twomblys’ house and other places. The witness also said that the group had previously attempted to assassinate Butler.
The affidavit said that one week before the two women’s disappearance, Adams reportedly bought five stun guns from a nearby gun shop after searching online for “taser pain level” and gun shops. According to the affidavit, investigators discovered that Adams had purchased several “burner” phones, and these three phones were recovered between Butler’s vehicle and the last known location of both Butler and Kelley.
A broken hammer and blood were discovered next to the deserted car, according to the affidavit.
The four individuals in question are now detained at the Texas County Jail without bail. According to Renee Ellis, the clerk of the Texas County Court, they are due to make their first court appearance on Wednesday morning.