Dakota City, Neb. — A northeast Nebraska man convicted of killing four people in Laurel and setting their homes on fire has been ordered to appear in person for his sentencing hearing.

Judge Bryan Meismer denied a request from Jason Jones to waive his presence at the hearing, citing the severity of the crimes. Jones claimed that burns he sustained during the fires made it difficult for him to sit for extended periods.

Jones was found guilty of shooting and killing three members of the Twiford family and their neighbor, Michele Ebeling, in August 2022. He also set fire to both of their homes, resulting in severe burns to himself.

The sentencing date has not yet been set, but Jones is required to attend. He had previously requested to forgo his mitigation appearance, which involves presenting factors that might reduce his sentence. This request was approved by the judge.

Jones is currently held without bail at the Nebraska Department of Corrections’ Reception and Treatment Center in Lincoln. He could face the death penalty.

Carrie Jones, Jason Jones'wife, was also found guilty of first-degree murder, tampering with evidence, and being an accessory to a felony. She is currently being held at the Madison County Jail and is awaiting sentencing on November 20.