How the disappearance of two Kansas moms led to 4 arrests in Oklahoma
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A two-week search for two missing Kansas women came to a fatal end last weekend when Oklahoma authorities confirmed the two were dead and announced the arrests of four people who allegedly belonged to an anti-government group that called themselves “God’s Misfits.”
Veronica Butler, 27, and Jilian Kelley, 39, of Hugoton, Kansas, disappeared on March 30 while driving to pick up Butler’s two children for a birthday party. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation confirmed on Tuesday that the bodies found in Texas County were those of the two women.
One of the suspects charged in the case is the children’s grandmother, who authorities say was in a bitter custody dispute with Butler. The four face charges including murder and are expected to make their first court appearance Wednesday in Guymon, in the rural Oklahoma panhandle.
Here are some things to know about the case.
WHAT DO AUTHORITIES SAY HAPPENED ?
Investigators have been tight-lipped about the case since the car Kelley and Butler were riding in was found in a rural area of Texas County, which is along the border with Kansas. But arrest affidavits unsealed Monday painted a gruesome picture of the scene.
According to court records, blood was left on the road and Butler’s glasses were found near a broken hammer. A magazine for a pistol was inside Kelley’s purse but authorities disclosed they did not find any firearm.
Related articles
Four people killed in a house explosion in southwestern Missouri
GOODHOPE, Mo. (AP) — Four people in rural Missouri died when an explosion that could be heard 10 mil2024-05-21Kaimanawa wild horses: Group re
The Department of Conservation's muster of Kaimanawa wild horses is due to start next month. Photo:2024-05-21Coronavirus death toll in Italy surpasses China
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here2024-05-21US court blocks strict new immigration law in Texas
US soldiers and law enforcement officers stand over a small group of immigrants who had crossed the2024-05-21Jessica Biel CHOPS her long locks into a bob after book signing in Studio City
Jessica Biel unveiled a dramatic hair transformation - from chest-length locks to a short bob - on S2024-05-21US House passes bill that could ban TikTok nationwide
By David Shepardson for ReutersThe fate of TikTok, used by about 170 million Americans, has become a2024-05-21
atest comment