Protection orders relate to Laurel murder cases

HARTINGTON - Three protection orders have been filed against a murder suspect’s wife.

Brian Welch of Laurel filed and was granted a protection order against Carrie Jones of Laurel last week from Cedar County District Court Judge Bryan Meismer. After being served, Jones requested a hearing and one was set for Dec. 1.

Two other protection orders filed by neighbors Alan and Sherry Pallas - were granted also last week.

Welch’s fiancee, Michele Shankles-Ebeling, was killed Aug. 4 in Laurel and the home where the couple lived was set on fire. Welch was not at home at the time.

Jason A. Jones, 42, of Laurel, who lived across the street, was arrested on suspicion of murder and arson in the case. He is also accused of the murders of Gene, Janet and Dana Twiford, setting their home on fire three blocks down the street on the same day. All were found with gunshot wounds.

In the filing to obtain a protection order, Welch alleges that Carrie Jones carries a weapon and also has a history of violence towards others. He states in his petition that he is “worried about his life.”

Welch said he is living in a safe house for his own protection and that Carrie Jones made threats against his life when she confronted him Sept. 17 after he removed belongings from his former home at 209 Elm St. in Laurel.

In his petition, Welch said on Oct. 31 he had heard from several others that Mrs. Jones had obtained a firearm and was trying to find him.

At the Dec. 1 hearing, Carrie Jones has the opportunity to show cause why the protection order should not be issued, modified, remain in effect, renewed or vacated. The protection order remains in effect - unless it is dismissed or modified - for up to one year.

The Pallas couple claim that Carrie Jones threatened to kill them Aug. 27 and made a gesture with her hand in the shape of a gun. On several other occasions, they claim she yelled and threatened them while they were in their own yard.

Sherry Pallas said because of the threats she has trouble sleeping and doesn’t like to leave the residence.

“Since the murders I have not felt safe,” she wrote.

At the time of his arrest, Jason Jones was found to have extensive burns and was treated at a Lincoln hospital before he was released to the Nebraska Department of Corrections last month. He has appeared through video conferencing for the first hearing on murder and arson charges. The prosecutor in the case alluded to Jones attempting selfharm as part of the crime.

According to court documents, a neighbor told investigators that he had gone outside his home in the early morning hours of Aug. 4 to smoke a cigarette when he witnessed an explosion occur at the Welch-Ebeling home. He ran to the nearby home in an attempt to render aid when he made contact with Carrie Jones. Mrs. Jones allegedly admitted to Laurel Police Chief Ron Lundahl of being at the Welch-Ebeling residence that morning.

According to court documents, Carrie Jones’ cellphone was searched in August. No charges have been filed against her.

It is not known whether Jason Jones was in his residence across the street during the entire aftermath of the crimes.