Found Deceased OK, Veronica Butler 27 & Jilian Kelley 39, Vehicle Abandoned, Texas County, 30 Mar 2024 #6 *Arrests*

[Seattle1]

Snipped by me for focus...

Perfunctory court-record wording, but a perfectly powerful reminder of how very, very sad this case is. Am I wrong to feel relieved, somehow, that there were any personal effects left to be recovered from these murdered women? I had my doubts, for sure.

Very true. Generally, it's the Coroner who returns personal effects found on the victim. I only recall reading of JK's purse and clip to her weapon, VB's vehicle and her broken eyeglasses-- recovered during the investigation. Perhaps once the Court rules on the Motion, local media will report from the actual Order.

 

[Rixey]

Very true. Generally, it's the Coroner who returns personal effects found on the victim. I only recall reading of JK's purse and clip to her weapon, VB's vehicle and her broken eyeglasses-- recovered during the investigation. Perhaps once the Court rules on the Motion, local media will report from the actual Order.

They didn't mention jewelry they might have been wearing, but I'd think JK was likely wearing a wedding ring and perhaps VB had an engagement ring or something. I hope if they were wearing them that those are among the personal effects that were recovered. Their families have lost so much, they should at least have those special items to hold onto going forward. What a sad case this is.

 

[Seattle1]

They didn't mention jewelry they might have been wearing, but I'd think JK was likely wearing a wedding ring and perhaps VB had an engagement ring or something. I hope if they were wearing them that those are among the personal effects that were recovered. Their families have lost so much, they should at least have those special items to hold onto going forward. What a sad case this is.

The mystery for me here is that the State Prosecutor filed a Motion for the Court to Order or deny allowing return of "certain personal affects" of the deceased.

Generally, the Coroner takes possession of something like jewelry and this office has the authority to release jewelry along with the victim's body.

Actually, I can't recall a case I've followed where a Motion was filed to release personal affects before -- only when items are collected and inventoried by LE, and later determined to be of no evidentiary value to either party (i.e., such as the items I identified earlier per MSM reports).

I guess we will learn soon enough when the Court rules on the Motion.

ETA: One personal item I know to cause a hardship on families when retained for an extended period of time are vehicles impounded by LE to test for evidence. I do recall a case where the father told the Court he was still responsible for the loan/lease payments on three vehicles confiscated by LE for testing after his son was murdered. MOO

ETA-2: Now I'm really curious given the Defense has filed their opposition to allowing certain personal affects returned!

 

[PommyMommy]

No. CF-2024-00072
STATE OF OKLAHOMA VS. ADAMS, TIFANY MACHEL

08/15/2024	TEXT	DEFENSE'S OBJECTION TO STATE'S APPLICATION FOR ORDER ALLOWING CONSUMPTIVE TESTING OF EVIDENCE Pursuant to 12 O.S. § 39, Document Available at Court Clerk's Office	​		​
08/15/2024	TEXT	DEFENSE'S OBJECTION TO STATE'S APPLICATION FOR ORDER ALLOWING RETURN OF CERTAIN PERSONAL EFFECTS OF THE DECEASED Pursuant to 12 O.S. § 39, Document Available at Court Clerk's Office

OSCN Case Details

 

[Cool Cats]

No. CF-2024-00072
STATE OF OKLAHOMA VS. ADAMS, TIFANY MACHEL

08/15/2024	TEXT	DEFENSE'S OBJECTION TO STATE'S APPLICATION FOR ORDER ALLOWING CONSUMPTIVE TESTING OF EVIDENCE Pursuant to 12 O.S. § 39, Document Available at Court Clerk's Office	​		​
08/15/2024	TEXT	DEFENSE'S OBJECTION TO STATE'S APPLICATION FOR ORDER ALLOWING RETURN OF CERTAIN PERSONAL EFFECTS OF THE DECEASED Pursuant to 12 O.S. § 39, Document Available at Court Clerk's Office

OSCN Case Details

I thought it odd the defense in one Motion doesn't want testing of evidence but yet in another Motion the defense doesn't want to give up evidence.

So I have been researching what the term CONSUMPTIVE TESTING OF EVIDENCE means.

Apparently, from various searching I looked into, it is evidence so small that the testing itself can ruin the evidence, thus this evidence cannot be tested again. Also, it often refers to DNA samples that are so small that testing ruins the DNA sample so only one test can be run.

It is possible in this specific case that the defense wants to be in charge of testing CONSUMPTIVE EVIDENCE and get their own results before the evidence is rendered useless for testing.

The Daybell case specifically mentions this subject.

Prosecution seeking 'consumptive testing of forensic evidence' in Daybell case

The prosecution in the Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow-Daybell triple murder case filed a motion seeking “consumptive testing of forensic evidence” on Monday.

www.rexburgstandardjournal.com

The prosecution in the Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow-Daybell triple murder case filed a motion seeking “consumptive testing of forensic evidence” on Monday.

As the name implies, consumptive testing means testing what remains of DNA and leaving little to none of the original DNA evidence. The original DNA samples are quite small. Once the testing is done, there won’t be any more DNA left to do another test.

 

[PommyMommy]

I thought it odd the defense in one Motion doesn't want testing of evidence but yet in another Motion the defense doesn't want to give up evidence.

So I have been researching what the term CONSUMPTIVE TESTING OF EVIDENCE means.

Apparently, from various searching I looked into, it is evidence so small that the testing itself can ruin the evidence, thus this evidence cannot be tested again. Also, it often refers to DNA samples that are so small that testing ruins the DNA sample so only one test can be run.

It is possible in this specific case that the defense wants to be in charge of testing CONSUMPTIVE EVIDENCE and get their own results before the evidence is rendered useless for testing.

The Daybell case specifically mentions this subject.

Prosecution seeking 'consumptive testing of forensic evidence' in Daybell case

The prosecution in the Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow-Daybell triple murder case filed a motion seeking “consumptive testing of forensic evidence” on Monday.

www.rexburgstandardjournal.com

The prosecution in the Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow-Daybell triple murder case filed a motion seeking “consumptive testing of forensic evidence” on Monday.

As the name implies, consumptive testing means testing what remains of DNA and leaving little to none of the original DNA evidence. The original DNA samples are quite small. Once the testing is done, there won’t be any more DNA left to do another test.

The Patrick Frazee trial, for the murder of Kelsey Berreth, is another example. In that case, this was resolved by granting the defense an expert of their choosing to observe the testing done in the CBI lab.

Judge rules that testing can begin on piece of tooth found at Frazee property

Prosecutor Jennifer Viehman confirmed the piece of evidence was a piece of a tooth that was recovered from the Frazee property.

www.koaa.com

As outlined in court, the expert for the defense would be allowed to witness the sample prep, DNA extract and quantification of the evidence. If there is enough evidence to split the piece of evidence in two, guidelines would call for the expert to leave because the defense can then do its own testing of the other portion of the sample.

Frazee’s defense team had motioned to record the testing on video, but they withdrew that request. They did request that if the evidence was split, that they could perform their own testing on the tooth fragment.

 

[Rixey]

The Patrick Frazee trial, for the murder of Kelsey Berreth, is another example. In that case, this was resolved by granting the defense an expert of their choosing to observe the testing done in the CBI lab.

Judge rules that testing can begin on piece of tooth found at Frazee property

Prosecutor Jennifer Viehman confirmed the piece of evidence was a piece of a tooth that was recovered from the Frazee property.

www.koaa.com

As outlined in court, the expert for the defense would be allowed to witness the sample prep, DNA extract and quantification of the evidence. If there is enough evidence to split the piece of evidence in two, guidelines would call for the expert to leave because the defense can then do its own testing of the other portion of the sample.

Frazee’s defense team had motioned to record the testing on video, but they withdrew that request. They did request that if the evidence was split, that they could perform their own testing on the tooth fragment.

The Patrick Frazee trial, for the murder of Kelsey Berreth, is another example. In that case, this was resolved by granting the defense an expert of their choosing to observe the testing done in the CBI lab.

I would think that the court might favor such a resolution in a case like this. Not only does the prosecution have established access to better/more reliable testing through the OSBI, or even FBI, that would meet the highest standards for handling evidence, where as the defense would be selecting a private entity that might or might not meet the same standards from a legal standpoint.

Not to mention that it's entirely possible that one of more of the defendants might disagree about what lab to use which in turn would generate more motions, take more time and likely end up with a compromise not unlike the option of having expert(s) observing the testing.

 

[Berrybell]

5 Suspects Charged In Oklahoma Panhandle Double-Murder Expected In Court

Five people charged in relation to a double-murder in March are expected in court Wednesday morning in Texas County.

www.news9.com

 

[Seattle1]

Not finding any news on results of today's hearing.

Only entry on today's docket is Order following July 17 hearing:

07/17/2024

TEXT

CM: MINUTE/ORDER HRG ON OBJECTION TO MTN AND ORDER FOR TRANSCRIPTS AND MTN TO IMMEDIATELY STAY ORDER HELD. ORDERS ENTERED. ATTY HOCH TO PREPARE A JOURNAL ENTRY AND CIRCULATE TO ALL ATTORNEYS INVOLVED. Pursuant to 12 O.S. § 39, Document Available at Court Clerk's Office

08/21/2024

TEXT

ORDER REGARDING TRANSCRIPTS AND OTHER DISCOVERY Pursuant to 12 O.S. § 39, Document Available at Court Clerk's Office

OSCN Case Details

 

[PommyMommy]

AUG 21, 2024

All 5 suspects in Texas County murders appear in court to consider consolidating case

All five suspects charged with the murders of Veronica Butler and Jilian Kelley appeared in court today to consider consolidating the case and to set a preliminary trial date.

www.newschannel10.com

• The defense has until Sep 9 to submit their final arguments on whether or not all suspects should be tried together.
• The next tentative hearing is set for Sep 18 when the judge will decide if they will be tried together.
• If they are tried separately, Cole Twombly’s preliminary hearing is set for Dec 17 at 9 a.m.
• The judge approved the release of some personal items that belonged to Veronica and Jilian.
• The defense also argued that their experts be present for the testing of evidence, along with the state’s experts. No decision on that today.

VIDEO:

VIDEO: All five suspects charged with the murders of Veronica Butler and Jilian Kelley appeared in court today to consider consolidating the case and to set a preliminary trial date.

All five suspects charged with the murders of Veronica Butler and Jilian Kelley appeared in court today to consider consolidating the case and to set a preliminary trial date.

www.newschannel10.com

 

[PommyMommy]

Not finding any news on results of today's hearing.

Only entry on today's docket is Order following July 17 hearing:

07/17/2024

TEXT

CM: MINUTE/ORDER HRG ON OBJECTION TO MTN AND ORDER FOR TRANSCRIPTS AND MTN TO IMMEDIATELY STAY ORDER HELD. ORDERS ENTERED. ATTY HOCH TO PREPARE A JOURNAL ENTRY AND CIRCULATE TO ALL ATTORNEYS INVOLVED. Pursuant to 12 O.S. § 39, Document Available at Court Clerk's Office

08/21/2024

TEXT

ORDER REGARDING TRANSCRIPTS AND OTHER DISCOVERY Pursuant to 12 O.S. § 39, Document Available at Court Clerk's Office

OSCN Case Details

It's now updated:

08/21/2024	TEXT	CM: MINUTE/ORDER STATE REQUESTS TO PASS HRG ON APP FOR ORDER ALLOWING RETUN OF CERTAIN PERSONAL EFFECT OF THE DECEASED, AND SAME GRANTED BY THE COURT. THE COURT DOES NOT MAKE A RUNING ON THE STATE'S APPLICATION FOR ORDER ALLOWING CONSUMPTIVE TESTING OF EVIDENCE. HRG ON CONSOLIDATION OF CASES FOR PRELIM HRG WILL BE 9/18/24 AT 9 AM. ALL PER SEPARATE MEMORIALIZED ORDER THIS DATE. Pursuant to 12 O.S. § 39, Document Available at Court Clerk's Office	​		​
08/21/2024	TEXT	ORDER SETTING START DATES FOR PRELIMINARY HEARING(S) Pursuant to 12 O.S. § 39, Document Available at Court Clerk's Office

 

[PommyMommy]

SEP 4, 2024

ADAMS, TIFANY MACHEL - OSCN Case Details, No updates

CULLUM, TAD BERT - OSCN Case Details

08/28/2024

TEXT

DEFENDANT CULLUM'S MOTION FOR SEVERANCE FOR PRELIMINARY HEARING AND MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT Pursuant to 12 O.S. § 39, Document Available at Court Clerk's Office

TWOMBLY, COLE EARL - OSCN Case Details

09/04/2024

TEXT

DEFENDANT'S BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF CONSOLIDATION FOR PRELIMINARY HEARING Pursuant to 12 O.S. § 39, Document Available at Court Clerk's Office

TWOMBLY, CORA GAYLE - OSCN Case Details, No updates

GRICE, PAUL JEREMIAH - OSCN Case Details

08/27/2024

TEXT

PRELIMINARY HEARING JOINDER OF DEFENDANTS Pursuant to 12 O.S. § 39, Document Available at Court Clerk's Office

 

[al66pine]

SEP 4, 2024....

snipped @PommyMommy
TYVM for your updates. Much appreciated.

 

[PommyMommy]

snipped @PommyMommy
TYVM for your updates. Much appreciated.

You're welcome, al66pine. Hoping we have something to discuss after the next hearing in a few weeks.

 

[Muddy K]

You're welcome, al66pine. Hoping we have something to discuss after the next hearing in a few weeks.

I get what you mean about hoping we have something to discuss. I still think about VB and JK often, and I can't quite fathom how little attention this atrocious crime has received from national media outlets and how quickly it seems to have been forgotten.

I mean, I know there are always new - seemingly weekly - contenders for most shocking crime, most sensational, most senseless, highest body count, on and on, but IMO the cold, vicious intent of the motive here, the self-endowed right of the murderers to kill the two women, and the inhuman terror they inflicted upon them during those acts, all of it is so deeply disturbing, how can it just fade away?

At least it doesn't here at WS.

 

[JerseyWasHome2]

I get what you mean about hoping we have something to discuss. I still think about VB and JK often, and I can't quite fathom how little attention this atrocious crime has received from national media outlets and how quickly it seems to have been forgotten.

I mean, I know there are always new - seemingly weekly - contenders for most shocking crime, most sensational, most senseless, highest body count, on and on, but IMO the cold, vicious intent of the motive here, the self-endowed right of the murderers to kill the two women, and the inhuman terror they inflicted upon them during those acts, all of it is so deeply disturbing, how can it just fade away?

At least it doesn't here at WS.

You are so right. As much as I hate providing publicity to these horrific killers, this one sure seems like it should go down in history nationwide or worldwide given everything you noted above.

 

[Sundog]

https://www.ksn.com/news/documents-reveal-cause-of-death-for-veronica-butler-and-jilian-kelley/

It's so hard to read this, but finally confirmation about the roles each of the defendants played in the murders of Veronica Butler and Jilian Kelly. Thinking of their loved ones as this news finally comes to light. May justice be swift.

 

[PommyMommy]

https://www.ksn.com/news/documents-reveal-cause-of-death-for-veronica-butler-and-jilian-kelley/

It's so hard to read this, but finally confirmation about the roles each of the defendants played in the murders of Veronica Butler and Jilian Kelly. Thinking of their loved ones as this news finally comes to light. May justice be swift.

Sickening.

• Grice stabbed Butler to death, cutting his hand badly in the process, while Cullum killed Kelley.
• The bodies were placed in a freezer and driven to the burial site.
• Grice tossed the clothing he was wearing, a stun device, and the murder weapon into the grave.
• DNA recovered from the clothing contained both his and Butler’s DNA.
• Cullum tossed his clothing into the freezer with the bodies.
• His and Kelley’s DNA was on the clothing as well.
• Accessories to the knife were found at Cullum’s home.
• The Twomblys served as lookouts and confided in their daughter, hoping she would provide them with an alibi.
• Adams purchased the burner phones, stun devices, yellow straps found around the freezer, and the pants Cullum wore and buried with the victims.

 

[PommyMommy]

SEP 12, 2024

Court docs: Veronica Butler and Jillian Kelley stabbed to death, buried in freezer

On Thursday’s State of Oklahoma’s brief in support of Consolidation For Preliminary Hearing, prosecutors laid out each suspect’s role in the part of the murders.

www.kake.com

• Tad Cullum got permission from the landowners to dig the hole for the burial site and dug the whole with his skid steer the day before the murders.
• Cullum fatally stabbed Kelley and drove the bodies to the burial site.
• Tifany Adams purchased burner phones from Walmart which were used by the conspirators to communicate.
• “Adams hated and despised Butler and wanted her dead,” the document reads.

 

[steeltowngirl]

SEP 12, 2024

Court docs: Veronica Butler and Jillian Kelley stabbed to death, buried in freezer

On Thursday’s State of Oklahoma’s brief in support of Consolidation For Preliminary Hearing, prosecutors laid out each suspect’s role in the part of the murders.

www.kake.com

• Tad Cullum got permission from the landowners to dig the hole for the burial site and dug the whole with his skid steer the day before the murders.
• Cullum fatally stabbed Kelley and drove the bodies to the burial site.
• Tifany Adams purchased burner phones from Walmart which were used by the conspirators to communicate.
• “Adams hated and despised Butler and wanted her dead,” the document reads.

Sad that Adams hated Butler so much that she would have her killed. Neither of the women deserved this, but I cannot understand why they did it when Butler was with Kelley. Two women senselessly murdered, and seems their only beef with Kelley was she was sent to accompany Butler.

jmo