Suspects in death of missing Kansas moms ID’d as members of God’s Misfits anti-government group

Veronica Butler was last seen on March 30, as her vehicle was found abandoned near a highway.

Jilian Kelley and Veronica Butler had arranged with the grandmother of Butler’s two children to meet at a highway intersection on the morning of March 30.

Two Kansas women who disappeared while attempting to pick up children for a birthday party two weeks ago were tragically killed amidst a custody dispute involving a group of anti-government individuals from Oklahoma calling themselves “God’s Misfits,” authorities revealed on Monday.

The vehicle of Veronica Butler, 27, and Jilian Kelley, 39, both from Hugoton, Kansas, was discovered on March 30 along a rural Oklahoma highway, showing clear signs of a violent altercation. This discovery prompted a coordinated effort by multiple agencies to ensure the safety of the children while searching for the missing women and preventing further violence.

This booking photo provided by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation shows Cole Earl Twombly.

Tifany Adams was among four people arrested on charges of kidnapping and first-degree murder.

Butler and Kelley had arranged to meet at a highway intersection with the grandmother of Butler’s children on the morning of March 30 to pick up the 6- and 8-year-olds. Unfortunately, the situation took a tragic turn.

“This case did not end the way we had hoped. It’s certainly been a tragedy for everyone involved,” remarked Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation Director Aungela Spurlock.

Four individuals were arrested on charges of kidnapping and first-degree murder in connection with the incident: Tifany Adams, 54 (the grandmother); her boyfriend Tad Cullum, 43; Cora Twombly, 44; and her husband Cole Twombly, 50. All are reportedly part of a group known as “God’s Misfits.”

A witness told authorities that Cora Twombly said at one point, "the plan was to throw an anvil through Butler's windshield while driving, making it look like an accident because anvils regularly fall off of work vehicles."

This booking photo provided by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation shows Tad Bert Cullum

While relatives of the accused declined to comment, details emerged of a gruesome crime scene near where the women's vehicle was found. Blood evidence, broken items, and incriminating items like a pistol magazine were discovered.

Investigations revealed that the killings were planned, with evidence pointing to premeditated actions such as purchasing burner phones for communication and acquiring weapons. The motive stemmed from a custody battle between Butler and Adams, who were involved in a problematic custody dispute over Butler’s children.

The tragic events unfolded amidst a backdrop of family conflict and escalating tensions, culminating in a heinous crime that shocked the community. The whereabouts of the children during the search were confirmed to be safe, ensuring they were kept out of harm's way.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the gravity of the situation and the brutality of the crime underscore the profound tragedy that has unfolded, leaving two lives lost and a community in mourning.