Accused of double murder: The grandmother, her boyfriend and the couple who hosted anti-government religious meetings

Overview of the Case

The case revolves around a custody dispute between Tifany Machel Adams and Veronica Butler, the mother of Adams' grandchildren. Adams did not want the children to have more contact with their mother, while Butler desired greater access to her kids than the court-ordered supervised visits she was allowed. This ongoing conflict eventually escalated into a tragic and violent event.

Arrest and Charges

Adams, along with her boyfriend Tad Cullum and the married couple Cole and Cora Twombly, have been arrested and charged in connection with the murders of Veronica Butler and another woman named Jilian Kelley. The suspects are facing charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping, and conspiracy to commit murder.

Events Leading to the Murders

According to investigators, Adams, Cullum, and the Twomblys had targeted Butler previously. In February, they planned to kill her by throwing an anvil through her windshield, making it look like an accident. However, their plan was thwarted when Butler did not leave her home. During this time, Adams conducted online searches related to getting someone out of their house and gathered information on tasers, guns, and prepaid cell phones.

Days after Butler filed for increased visitation rights with her children, Adams purchased stun guns. On Easter weekend, Adams gave time off to the usual supervisor of Butler's visits and sent the children to stay with acquaintances. The following day, Butler was murdered.

The Ambush and Disappearance

Butler and Kelley vanished while traveling from Kansas to pick up Butler's children from Adams. Investigators believe the women were lured to a desolate location in Oklahoma's panhandle. Evidence suggests that they were forced into another vehicle and held captive. Blood, a broken hammer, and Butler's glasses were found at the scene. Butler's phone records indicated that she was already in Hugoton to pick up Kelley when Adams called to confirm the visit.

Involvement of God's Misfits Group

The 16-year-old daughter of Cora Twombly provided crucial information to investigators. She described her mother, stepfather, Adams, and Cullum as part of an anti-government group called God's Misfits. The group met regularly at the Twombly house or another couple's residence. The daughter overheard discussions about the grandchildren being at risk if they were with Butler. She also revealed that Adams provided burner phones to the other suspects for communication.

Discovery of the Bodies

Adams collected her grandchildren from the home of the couple who hosted God's Misfits meetings. Meanwhile, Cullum had been working on a property, using a skid steer, the previous evening. Investigators tracked the burner phones to an area where a hole had been dug, filled in, and covered with hay. Two sets of remains, confirmed to be those of Veronica Butler and Jilian Kelley, were recovered from Texas County, Oklahoma.

Emotional Impact and Legal Proceedings

Veronica Butler's relatives expressed their grief and disbelief outside the Texas County Courthouse after attending the suspects' initial court appearance. The ongoing custody battle between Adams and Butler was scheduled for a hearing on the same day, with indications that Butler would likely be granted unsupervised visitation with her children. However, the hearing became the first court appearance for those accused of her murder.

Please note that the information provided is based on the statements from probable cause affidavits, official statements, and media reports. The investigation is still ongoing, and additional details may emerge as the case progresses.