HARTINGTON, Neb. – Half of a northeast Nebraska couple facing felony murder charges will not be in court later this month after Jason Jones submitted a written not guilty plea earlier this week.

According to Cedar County District Court documents, Jones submitted the plea and waiver of appearance on Monday. The not guilty plea was initially reported by the Norfolk Daily News and KTIV and independently confirmed by News Channel Nebraska. Jones and his wife, Carrie Jones, were both scheduled to be arraigned on May 22.

Jason Jones faces 10 felony charges, including four counts of first-degree murder related to a quadruple homicide in Laurel last year.

The 42-year-old Jason Jones is accused of shooting four victims before setting their homes on fire in the early morning hours of Aug. 4. All of the deaths took place on Elm Street in Laurel.

The NSP identified the victims as 86-year-old Gene Twiford, 85-year-old Janet Twiford, 55-year-old Dana Twiford, as well as 53-year-old Michele Ebeling. The Twifords all lived in 503 Elm Street, which was the site of the second fire reported. Ebeling was found dead at her home at 209 Elm Street, which is where the first fire was located. Jones also lives on Elm Street.

Jones had been hospitalized since being apprehended by authorities on Aug. 5. Authorities said Jones was found with severe burn injuries while they were serving a warrant at his home in Laurel. Jones was discharged Oct. 26 and transported to a Nebraska Department of Corrections facility in Lincoln.

Carrie Jones is charged with tampering with physical evidence, accessory to a felony, and one count of first-degree murder. She is still scheduled to appear in Cedar County District Court on May 22 at this time.