Four Arrested in Murder of Two Kansas Women Amid Custody Battle

The remains of two Kansas women, Veronica Butler, 27, and Jilian Kelley, 39, were found in rural Texas County, Oklahoma, after they went missing on March 30, 2024, while traveling to pick up Butler's children for a birthday party. Four individuals - Tad Bert Cullum, 43, Tifany Machel Adams, 54, Cole Earl Twombly, 50, and Cora Gayle Twombly, 44 - have been arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of kidnapping, and one count of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of Butler and Kelley.

The investigation revealed that Butler was involved in a "problematic custody battle" with Adams, the paternal grandmother of Butler's two children. Evidence suggests that the four suspects, who are members of an anti-government group called "God's Misfits," allegedly planned to kill Butler to resolve the custody dispute . The affidavit mentioned that Adams had purchased stun guns and pre-paid cellphones, and the suspects had made previous attempts to kill Butler near her home in Hugoton, Kansas.

Why this matters: This tragic case highlights the potential dangers of contentious custody battles and the involvement of extremist groups in personal disputes. The alleged actions of the suspects raise concerns about the safety of individuals involved in high-conflict custody cases and the need for increased awareness and protection measures.

Authorities found evidence of severe injury and blood at the scene where Butler and Kelley's abandoned vehicle was discovered on a rural highway in Texas County, Oklahoma. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) has expressed condolences to the victims' loved ones and the community. OSBI Director Aungela Spurlock described the case as a "tragedy for everybody involved."

The bodies of Butler and Kelley have not been found, and the investigation is ongoing. All four suspects are scheduled to make their initial court appearances on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at the Texas County Courthouse in Guymon, Oklahoma. Authorities are not currently seeking any additional suspects in connection with the murders.

Key Takeaways

• Two Kansas women found dead in Oklahoma, 4 suspects arrested
• Suspects part of anti-government group, planned to kill over custody dispute
• Suspects made previous attempts to kill one victim near her home
• Bodies of victims not found, investigation ongoing, no additional suspects
• Tragic case highlights dangers of custody battles and extremist involvement