Jason Jones trial: Officers testify on evidence connecting Jones to crime scenes

DAKOTA CITY, Neb. (KCAU) — In day six of the Jason Jones murder trial, law enforcement described evidence that lead to Jones' arrest warrant for the deaths of four Laurel residents.

Several officers took the stand Thursday in Dakota County, describing how receipts and surveillance video showed Jason Jones purchasing gas cans and fuel before the murders of the Twiford family and Michele Ebeling.

A lawyer asked a Nebraska State Patrol officer about his reaction to finding two crime scenes.

"What did you think about having two scenes, blocks apart, both with fires and persons collectively shot?" the lawyer asked.

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"That they were going to be related," Sergeant Brad Higgins said. "There was timing, coincidence, fire, everything. So we just started trying to figure out where our next move was and what evidence to follow up with."

Jurors also heard about the timeline of Jones' arrest. A SWAT team was called to the Jones house. A negotiator attempted to reach Jones by phone, but the calls were unanswered. After three hours attempting contact, SWAT team members found Jason Jones inside, severely burned. Jones was transported to a hospital.

The trial continues tomorrow.