Authorities in Oklahoma have arrested and booked four individuals on suspicion of kidnapping and murder in connection with the disappearance of two women, Veronica Butler, 27, and Jilian Kelley, 39, who are still missing. The suspects, Tad Bert Cullum, Tifany Machel Adams, Cole Earl Twombly, and Cora Twombly, were arrested in Texas and Cimarron counties in the westernmost section of the Oklahoma panhandle. The suspects were booked on suspicion of first-degree murder, kidnapping, and conspiracy to commit murder, but formal charges had not yet been filed. The OSBI and local law enforcement are still working to locate the missing women.
Veronica Butler and Jilian Kelley were the subjects of an “endangered missing advisory” issued by Texas County authorities after their vehicle was found abandoned in a rural part of the county. Evidence at the scene suggested foul play, prompting the OSBI to launch an investigation into their disappearance. The women were en route to pick up children, but it is unclear if the children belonged to either of them or if they were friends. Investigating such a remote area presented challenges for authorities, as there were few homes or businesses with security cameras that could provide valuable information.
The two missing women were last seen in March, and investigators have not disclosed the specific evidence that led them to suspect a crime had taken place. Butler’s stepmother, Guadalupe Torres, revealed that Butler was involved in a heated custody dispute and court records confirmed her involvement in a custody claim filed in 2021. It is not yet clear if the custody dispute is related to her disappearance, but investigators are considering all possible leads.
Despite the allegations of murder in the bookings linked to the investigation, authorities have not confirmed that they are searching for bodies. The OSBI and local law enforcement are actively pursuing leads to locate Veronica Butler and Jilian Kelley, and the investigation remains ongoing. The suspects arrested in connection with the case have not been formally charged and it is unclear if they have legal representation at this time. The remote nature of the area where the women disappeared has posed challenges for investigators, but they continue to work tirelessly to bring closure to the case.
As more information comes to light in the investigation, authorities are hopeful that they will be able to locate the missing women and bring those responsible for their disappearance to justice. The community remains on edge as they await updates on the case, and the families of Veronica Butler and Jilian Kelley are desperate for answers. The search for the missing women continues, and law enforcement officials are committed to exhausting all resources to solve the mystery and bring closure to this troubling case. The public is encouraged to come forward with any information that may assist in the investigation.
