Veronica Butler and Jilian Kelley: Fifth suspect arrested in murder of two Kansas mothers

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

WICHITA, KANSAS: Authorities have apprehended a fifth suspect tied to the 'God's Misfits' group allegedly involved in the murders of Veronica Butler, 27, and Jilian Kelley, 39.

Paul Grice, aged 31, was arrested on Wednesday, April 24, facing charges that include two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of kidnapping, and one count of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder.

Insights into Veronica Butler and Jilian Kelley's murder investigation

This latest development comes after the disappearance of Butler and Kelley on March 30, while they were en route from Kansas to retrieve the former's children from a birthday celebration in Oklahoma.

Their bodies were discovered on April 14, following their last sighting together in a vehicle that was subsequently found abandoned by the highway in a remote area of Texas County.

Previously, four individuals—Tad Bert Cullum, Tifany Machel Adams, Cole Earl Twombly, and Cora Twombly—had been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the women's deaths.

An unsealed affidavit revealed intricate dynamics, shedding light on the situation. It disclosed that Adams, the paternal grandmother of Butler's children, was embroiled in a custody dispute with Butler. Additionally, Cullum and Adams were romantically involved.

Tragic consequences of custody dispute and religious extremism

According to authorities, all five suspects are associated with the 'God's Misfits' group, recognized for its anti-government stance and frequent gatherings at the Twomblys' residence and other locations.

According to CBS, testimony from a teenage witness shockingly implicated the group not only in the attempted murder of Butler in the past but also in the killings of Butler and Kelley.

During a recent court appearance, pleas of not guilty were entered for all four previously arrested suspects, and the judge denied them bond. Family members of the deceased were present at the courthouse, their anguish palpable as they sought justice for their loved ones.

Bryson Butler, Veronica's younger brother, hoped "justice is served" while others grappled with the incomprehensible hatred that led to the loss of two cherished lives.

"How can you hate somebody so much that you want to kill them? How can you hate the mother of your grandchildren so much that you want to end her life?" Butler's aunt grieved.

The motive behind this heinous act stems from Butler's contentious divorce and custody battle, worsened by Adams' refusal to grant Butler more time with her children.

As Butler sought increased visitation rights, tensions escalated, ultimately resulting in tragedy.