Two mothers from Hugoton, Kansas, Veronica Butler, 27, and Jillian Kelley, 39, went missing on March 30 while on their way to pick up Butler’s children for a birthday party in Kansas. Their blood-soaked vehicle was found abandoned in rural Oklahoma, near the Kansas border. The two women were considered acquaintances, as Kelley supervised Butler’s visits with her children, who were living with their paternal grandparent in Eva, Oklahoma. The bodies of two individuals were discovered in rural Texas County in Oklahoma, and they are believed to be related to the disappearance of the two mothers. The remains will be sent to the Oklahoma Chief Medical Examiner for identification and to determine the cause and manner of death.
Four suspects were arrested and charged in connection with the disappearance of the two mothers. Tad Bert Cullum, 43; Tifany Machel Adams, 54; Cole Earl Twombly, 50; and Cora Twombly, 44, were taken into custody and charged with two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of kidnapping, and one count of conspiracy to commit murder in the first degree. Adams is the paternal grandmother of Butler’s children, and Cullum is her boyfriend. Cole and Cora Twombly are known to have an eight-year relationship and are Facebook friends with Adams. The arrests were made in both Cimmaron and Texas Counties, with one arrest in Cimmaron County and the other three charged in Texas County.
Butler was involved in a custody battle with the father of her children and was seeking more visitation time, hoping for full custody. Adams had custody of the children at the time of Butler’s disappearance. The two women were reported missing on March 30, and their whereabouts remained unknown until the discovery of the bodies. Several law enforcement agencies were involved in the investigation and conducted searches at properties in Cimmaron and Texas Counties, including at Adams’ home. The suspects are currently in custody at the Texas County Jail, and further information about the case is still pending as authorities work to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths of the two individuals found.
The disappearance and subsequent discovery of the bodies of Veronica Butler and Jillian Kelley have sent shockwaves through the rural community where the events took place. Both women were well-known in their hometown of Hugoton, Kansas, and their disappearance has left friends, family, and the community in grief and disbelief. The close-knit town has been shaken by the tragic events and is looking for answers as to what exactly happened to the two mothers. The investigation into the case is ongoing, with authorities focusing on gathering evidence to build a strong case against the suspects involved in the disappearance and deaths of the two women.
The details surrounding the disappearance of Butler and Kelley, as well as the discovery of the bodies, have raised questions about the events leading up to their deaths. The bitter custody battle between Butler and the father of her children, along with the involvement of Adams, Cullum, and the Twomblys, has added another layer of complexity to the case. The charges against the suspects suggest a premeditated plan that led to the kidnapping and murder of the two mothers. As the investigation continues, more information may come to light about the motive behind the crimes and the circumstances that led to the deaths of the two women.
The tragic case of Veronica Butler and Jillian Kelley serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can exist in seemingly peaceful rural communities. The events that unfolded in Texas County have brought attention to issues such as domestic disputes, custody battles, and criminal behavior that can have devastating consequences. The impact of the disappearance and deaths of the two mothers has rippled through both the local community and beyond, sparking conversations about safety, justice, and the need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable individuals. As authorities work to uncover the truth behind the case, the memories of Butler and Kelley will live on in the hearts of those who knew them, while their families seek closure and justice for the tragic loss of their loved ones.
