Local district judge to help determine fate of convicted killer

LINCOLN, Neb. — A three-judge panel, including District Judge Patrick M. Heng, who serves McCook as part of Judicial District 11, will decide the sentencing of Jason A. Jones, who was convicted in September for a quadruple homicide in Laurel, Neb.

The panel, requested by presiding Judge Brian Meismer in accordance with state law, also includes Judge Timothy P. Burns. The judges were randomly selected from a statewide pool. Jones was convicted by a Dakota County jury on charges of first-degree murder, arson, and firearm-related felonies, after evidence showed he killed four people and set fire to their homes in August 2022.

The panel will determine whether Jones faces the death penalty.