Jason Jones trial begins in Dakota County

Nebraska Public Media | News

The trial for a Nebraska man accused of killing four of his neighbors in the village of Laurel got underway in Dakota County Thursday. Defendant Jason Jones did not appear in court. Prosecuting attorney Corey O’Brien said the state has plans to show the jury more than 1,000 pieces of evidence, including photos, videos and physical objects incriminating Jones. Defense attorney Matthew McDonald said Jones had a mental breakdown the night of the homicides and therefore should not be charged with first-degree, pre-meditated murder. The trial is expected to continue over the next few weeks.