Veronica Butler and Jilian Kelley: Two bodies found in hunt for missing Kansas mothers after 4 arrested

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

TEXAS, OKLAHOMA: Authorities have recovered two bodies believed to be those of Veronica Butler, 27, and Jilian Kelley, 39, who went missing two weeks ago in Kansas. 

Amid a contentious divorce and custody battle, Butler and Kelley's disappearance has taken a sinister turn with the arrest of four individuals.

Missing women were en route to pick up Veronica Butler's children

Butler and Kelley, a pastor's wife, were last seen on March 30, when they went to pick up the former's children, aged 6 and 8. Their intended celebration for Butler's daughter's birthday took a devastating turn when they vanished, mere miles away from their destination.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation confirmed the grim discovery of two bodies in Texas County, Oklahoma, according to News Nation. They are currently being transported to the medical examiner's office for identification and to determine the cause of death.

Four arrested in disappearance of 2 Kansas women

Law enforcement swiftly acted, deploying a convoy of 20 police vehicles, and subsequently apprehended four people following a substantial SWAT raid over the possible kidnapping and murder.  

Among those arrested are Tifany Adams, 54, the grandmother of Butler's children, and her boyfriend Tad Cullum, 43. Additionally, Cole Twombly, 50, and Cora Twombly, 44, were also taken into custody. The four individuals now face multiple charges, including first-degree murder and kidnapping.

Community mourns Veronica Butler and Jilian Killey

As the investigation progresses, authorities are working diligently to determine the cause of death and bring closure to the families of Butler and Kelley. The community, meanwhile, has rallied together, offering prayers and support to the families during the difficult time.

"We ask that you continue to pray for Jilian and Veronica and their families as the search and investigation continue," Kelley's Willow Christian Church in Nebraska posted to Facebook On April 3.

"Pray for strength, wisdom and faith for everyone involved. We appreciate everyone who has shared the prayer requests. We are getting messages from all over the country of people praying for these two women and their families," the church added.