Current:Home > MyThe bodies of two Kansas women who disappeared in Oklahoma were found in a buried freezer -BrightFutureFinance
The bodies of two Kansas women who disappeared in Oklahoma were found in a buried freezer
View
Date:2025-04-24 18:29:37
The bodies of two Kansas women who disappeared in Oklahoma were found in a buried freezer, according to recently unsealed court documents.
The bodies of Veronica Butler, 27, and Jilian Kelley, 39, both of Hugoton, Kansas, were found April 14 buried on land in rural Texas County and rented by Tad Cullum, who is among five people charged with kidnapping and killing the two women, according to the documents unsealed March 15.
Also found on the land, which Cullum rented for cattle grazing, were articles of clothing, duct tape and a knife, each “with possible blood on them,” in addition to black tape, electrical cord and a combination stun gun/flashlight, according to the documents.
Cullum, 43, his girlfriend Tifany Adams, 54, both of Keyes, Oklahoma; husband and wife Cole Twombly, 50, and Cora Twombly, 44, of Texhoma, Oklahoma; and Paul Grice, 31, are each charged with two counts of murder, two counts of kidnapping and a single count of conspiracy to commit murder.
All are being held without bail and a gag order in the case prohibits attorneys from commenting on the case.
Investigators have said Butler and Adams were in a bitter child dispute over custody of Butler’s children, who are Adams’ grandchildren.
Butler’s attorney told investigators that Butler was likely to be granted unsupervised visitation during a hearing scheduled just more than two weeks after the two disappeared, the documents state.
Butler and Kelley, who was to supervise a visitation with Butler and her children, disappeared March 30 while driving to pick up Butler’s two children from Adams for a birthday party.
The women’s car was found near the rural highway intersection about 260 miles (418 kilometers) from where Butler was to pick up her son and daughter. Butler’s glasses were found near the car and blood was found on the roadway, according to an arrest affidavit.
The buried freezer with the bodies inside was found about 8.5 miles (14 kilometers) from where the car was found and in the area where prepaid cell phones purchased by Adams were traced, according to the court documents.
A witness also told an investigator the Grice had asked him shortly after the bodies were found how long it would take the state lab to process DNA evidence, how long DNA would tast in dirt, how long DNA would last on clothing in dirt in a 15 feet deep hole and if he knew how to get a “guy and his family” into Mexico, according to documents.
The witness told the investigator that Grice said he was concerned about his DNA being in the hole where the bodies were found “because he had been to the Twombly residence.”
Another witness told Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation agents that all five suspects were part of “an anti-government group that had a religious affiliation” known as “God’s Misfits” according to an affidavit.
veryGood! (828)
Related
- In ‘Nickel Boys,’ striving for a new way to see
- John Tucker Must Die Stars Confirm Sequel Is in the Works 18 Years Later
- Northeast U.S. pummeled with a mix of wind, rain, sleet and heavy snow on first weekend of spring
- As Boeing turbulence persists: A look at past crashes and safety issues involving the plane maker
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- Trump’s social media company to start trading on the Nasdaq on Tuesday
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Use the Force
- March Madness picks: Our Monday bracket predictions for 2024 NCAA women's tournament
- 'We're reborn!' Gazans express joy at returning home to north
- Your 401(k) has 'room to run.' And it's not all about Fed rate cuts.
Ranking
- DeepSeek: Did a little known Chinese startup cause a 'Sputnik moment' for AI?
- Kamala Harris will meet Guatemalan leader Arévalo on immigration and his anti-corruption drive
- Revenge tour? Purdue is rolling as it overcomes previous March Madness disappointments
- Golden Globes land 5-year deal to air on CBS, stream on Paramount+
- See you latte: Starbucks plans to cut 30% of its menu
- Blake Lively apologizes for Princess Kate 'photoshop fails' post after cancer revelation
- Judge sets April 15 trial date in Trump hush money case, rejecting request for a delay
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Use the Force
Recommendation
A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
Illinois parole official quits after police say a freed felon attacked a woman and killed her son
New York City’s mayor cancels a border trip, citing safety concerns in Mexico
Teen grabs deputy's firearm then shoots herself inside LA sheriff's office lobby: Police
Who are the most valuable sports franchises? Forbes releases new list of top 50 teams
Katie Couric Is a Grandma as Daughter Ellie Welcomes First Baby
Jennifer Lopez Showcases Her Body-Sculpting Fitness Routine
Spring Into Style With the Best Plus Size Fashion Deals From Amazon: Leggings, Dresses, Workwear & More