NORFOLK, Neb. — A woman accused of influencing her husband to commit the murders of four individuals in northeast Nebraska has been convicted of first-degree murder.

On Thursday afternoon, a Madison County jury delivered a guilty verdict against Carrie Jones. She was found guilty on charges of first-degree murder, evidence tampering, and accessory to a felony.

Her husband, Jason Jones, had previously been convicted for the August 2022 killings of Gene, Janet, and Dana Twiford, along with Michelle Ebeling. These homicides deeply affected the small community of Laurel. Carrie's trial was relocated to Madison County due to concerns about finding an impartial jury in Cedar County.

During the trial's closing arguments, the prosecution posed the question, "Would we even be here if it weren't for Carrie Jones?" Jason Jones testified that his wife was a "very difficult woman," leading the prosecution to suggest that Jason was manipulated by Carrie to carry out her wishes.

The defense argued, "Why was Carrie arrested on December 16, 2022, when the murders occurred on August 4? Carrie willingly cooperated with investigators at their office and her home, posing no risk." They claimed the state needed a confession.

The defense urged the jury to hold Carrie accountable only for her actions after the crimes, specifically disposing of her husband's clothes and evidence after finding him severely burned and armed. They argued she should not be held responsible for Gene Twiford's death.

Prosecutors linked Carrie to Gene Twiford's murder, arguing in opening statements, that while she didn't pull the trigger, she manipulated events leading to his death.

Carrie Jones faces a mandatory life sentence, with sentencing scheduled for Nov. 20, 2025, at 9 a.m. Jason Jones is also scheduled to be sentenced that day for the murders and arson of the Twiford and Ebling homes. Jason testified in his wife's trial on Wednesday, stating that Carrie never instructed him to kill anyone or set fire to any houses, which could significantly influence his ongoing case regarding the death penalty or life imprisonment.