The small town of Hugoton, Kansas was left in shock following the unexpected disappearance of two local women, Veronica Butler, 27, and Jilian Kelley, 39, in late March 2024. The pair vanished on their journey from Hugoton to Texas County, Oklahoma, on March 30, where they intended to pick up Butler’s two children as per a court-ordered visitation arrangement. It was also revealed by authorities that Butler aimed to bring her kids to a birthday celebration.
When Butler and Kelley failed to arrive at the birthday event, Butler’s family began their search. An abandoned vehicle was found by family members near the intersection of Highway 95 and Road L in Texas County. They subsequently dialed 911 to report their findings.
Local law enforcement officers found indicators of foul play at the site, leading the Oklahoma State Bureau to start an investigation into what was classified as a “suspicious disappearance.”
The case took a dark turn when human remains were discovered in a rural part of Texas County, Oklahoma. On April 16, these remains were officially identified as belonging to Butler and Kelley, bringing a tragic end to the community’s hopes.
Following the identification, law enforcement announced the arrest of four individuals in connection with the case: Tifany Machel Adams, 54, her boyfriend Tad Bert Cullum, 43, Cole Earl Twombly, 50, and Cora Twombly, 44. The charges against them include two counts each of first-degree murder, kidnapping, and conspiracy to commit murder. A fifth person, Paul Grice, 31, was arrested on April 24.
The suspects are purportedly members of an obscure anti-government religious group named “God’s Misfits.” Adams and her son, Wrangler Rickman, were involved in an ongoing custody battle with Butler, who shares two children, six and eight, with Rickman. The children were staying with Adams, while Butler had weekly visitation rights. According to The Independent, Rickman is in rehab and had told his grandmother “that they didn’t have to worry about the custody battle much longer, because Adams had it under control” and would “take out” Ms Butler during a drop-off of the children. A teenage witness also reported to police that the defendants had tried to kill Butler before and said they were responsible for the murders.
In response to the tragedy, the families of Butler and Kelley have set up GoFundMe campaigns to support their relatives during this challenging period.
Monica Berrera, Butler’s cousin, made a plea for support during a fundraising campaign, stating, “We are completely devastated by this news. Please consider giving to this beloved family in the hope that we can help reduce some of their burden.” This campaign has successfully raised over $4,500 to date.
A separate campaign for Kelley is also underway, having already raised about $5,000. The campaign message reads, “As the undesirable outcome was announced that Jillian’s life has been taken, we are asking for help by making any donation to lessen the financial burden brought forth on the Kelley family.”
The four suspects were individually brought before a Texas County courtroom on Wednesday, April 17. The state requested denial of bond, and none of the suspects had legal representation during the proceedings.
The prosecution asserts that the suspects conspired to lure Butler and Kelley to the intersection of Highway 95 and Road L, before moving them to another location where the women met their tragic end.
According to reports, the courtroom was filled with raw emotion. Butler’s father, unable to contain his anger, hurled insults at the suspects and had to be restrained.
During the hearing, Adams remained silent and downward-facing, while Cora Twombly was seen shaking her head, especially when the charges were read. Cole Twombly denied any involvement in the deaths of Butler and Kelley in a statement to the court.
