Two women from Hugoton, Kansas, Veronica Butler, 27, and Jilian Kelley, 39, vanished under mysterious circumstances while en route to Texas County, Oklahoma on March 30, 2024. They were traveling to pick up Butler’s two children for a mandated visitation and a birthday celebration.

When Butler and Kelley failed to reach the party, Butler’s relatives started a search. The family found their deserted vehicle near Highway 95 and Road L intersection in Texas County, Oklahoma. This prompted them to contact emergency services.

The local police discovered evidence suggesting a crime, leading the Oklahoma State Bureau to begin an investigation into the unusual disappearance.

On April 16, the investigators found human remains in rural Texas County, Oklahoma. The remains were later identified as those of Butler and Kelley, ending the agonizing wait for their families and the Hugoton community.

Following the identification, four individuals were arrested in relation to the women’s disappearance. The suspects were Tad Bert Cullum, 43, Tifany Machel Adams, 54, Cole Earl Twombly, 50, and Cora Twombly, 44. They were charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping, and conspiracy to commit murder. The police affidavit revealed that these individuals were associated with an obscure, anti-government religious group, known as “God’s Misfits.” It was further reported that Butler was involved in a custody dispute with Adams, the mother of Butler’s ex-partner, Wrangler Rickman.

In the wake of this tragedy, the families of Butler and Kelley have set up GoFundMe campaigns to aid them during this tough period.

Monica Berrera, Butler’s cousin, made a heartfelt appeal for support in a fundraising drive: “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.” The campaign has already garnered over $4,500 in donations.

Kelley’s family has also started a campaign, which has succeeded in raising almost $5,000. The campaign statement 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 suspects appeared independently in a Texas County courtroom on April 17. The prosecution requested the denial of bond, and none of the suspects were represented by counsel during the proceedings.

The prosecution’s case asserts that the suspects lured Butler and Kelley to the intersection of Highway 95 and Road L before moving them to another location where the women met their end.

The courtroom was filled with tension. Butler’s father, unable to contain his anger, hurled insults at the accused and had to be restrained.

Throughout the hearing, Adams remained silent and kept her gaze lowered, while Cora Twombly often shook her head, especially when the charges were being read. Cole Twombly denied any involvement in the deaths of Butler and Kelley in a statement to the court.