On Wednesday, prosecutors in Oklahoma charged Paul Jeremiah Grice, 31, with two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of kidnapping, and conspiracy to commit murder in connection with the killing and kidnapping of two Kansas women, Veronica Butler, 27, and Jilian Kelley, 39. Grice admitted to participating in the killings and burying the victims. He is currently being held without bond at the Texas County Detention Center in Guymon.
Four other individuals have also been charged and are being held without bail in connection with the deaths: Tifany Adams, 54, and her boyfriend, Tad Cullum, 43, of Keyes, and Cole, 50, and Cora Twombly, 44, of Texhoma, Oklahoma. It is believed that the victims disappeared on March 30 while on their way to pick up Butler’s children for a birthday party. Adams, who is the children’s grandmother, had a contentious custody battle with Butler, resulting in Butler only being allowed supervised visits with the children on Saturdays, with Kelley being authorized to supervise these visits.
According to a witness who spoke to Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation agents, all five suspects were part of an anti-government group with a religious affiliation, self-identifying as “God’s Misfits” and holding regular meetings at the homes of the Twomblys and another couple. Grice’s confession to his involvement in the killings raises questions about the motivations and beliefs of this anti-government group, shedding light on the extremist ideologies that may have led to the violent actions committed by its members.
The charges laid against Grice and his accomplices underscore the severity of the crimes committed against Butler and Kelley and the deep-rooted issues within the anti-government group they were associated with. The fact that all five individuals allegedly participated in these heinous acts raises concerns about the potential dangers posed by such extremist groups and the need for vigilance in identifying and addressing radical ideologies before they manifest into deadly violence.
As investigations into the killings and kidnappings continue, law enforcement authorities are likely to delve deeper into the activities and beliefs of the “God’s Misfits” group, seeking to understand the factors that drove its members to commit such violent crimes. The arrest of Paul Jeremiah Grice and his associates represents a significant step towards justice for the victims and their families, while also serving as a warning about the potential threats posed by radicalized individuals within anti-government organizations.
The case of Veronica Butler and Jilian Kelley serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers posed by extremist groups with violent ideologies. By shedding light on the criminal activities of the “God’s Misfits” group and holding its members accountable for their actions, authorities are taking a crucial stand against radicalization and ensuring that those who engage in violent behavior are brought to justice. As the legal proceedings against Grice and his associates unfold, the victims’ families and the community at large hope for closure and a sense of justice following the tragic events that unfolded on that fateful day in March.
