DAKOTA CITY — Jason Jones’ fate is now in the hands of a three-judge panel. A Dakota County jury of seven men and five women on Thursday determined there to be aggravating circumstances in the murders of four Laurel residents by Jones on Aug. 4, 2022, making Jones eligible for the death penalty.
The jury deliberated for less than an hour Thursday afternoon before determining the murders were aggravated. The jury’s finding followed an aggravation hearing that took place after jurors earlier Thursday convicted Jones, 44, of four counts each of first-degree murder and use of a firearm to commit a felony and two counts of second-degree arson. Aggravating circumstances are those which increase the guilt or enormity of the crime or add to the punishment that can be imposed.
Aggravating circumstances, according to Nebraska statute, are reasons why the defendant should be sentenced to death. As a result of the jury’s verdicts, District Judge Bryan Meismer will contact the Nebraska Supreme Court, which will appoint additional judges to accompany Meismer in presiding over future proceedings. The panel will determine whether Jones will be sentenced to death or life in prison following a hearing during which the defense will present mitigating evidence.
Jones’ trial was moved from Cedar County after Meismer determined earlier this year that Jones could not receive a fair trial there. Jones broke into 503 Elm St. on the morning of Aug.
4, 2022, and shot Gene Twiford, 86, and his.