Names: Veronica C. Butler (27 years old) & Jilian D. Kelley (39 years old)
Last seen: March 30, 2024
Location: Texas County, Oklahoma
Status: Found deceased on April 14, 2024
Case Information
27-year-old Veronica Butler and 39-year-old Jilian Kelley were last seen in Texas County, Oklahoma on March 30, 2024. The two mothers disappeared while traveling from Elkhart, Kansas to pick up Butler’s children in Eva, Oklahoma.
Background
In 2024, Veronica Butler and Jilian Kelley were residents of Hugoton, Kansas.
Jilian Kelley was married to the previous pastor of Hugoton First Christian Church with whom she had four children. She worked as a secretary at the church and runs its children’s programs.
Veronica Butler was also a member of Hugoton First Christian Church. She has two children with her ex, with whom she was currently in a custody battle with.
Disappearance
On March 30, 2024, Veronica Butler and Jilian Kelley made the 16 mile trip from Elkhart, Kansas to pick up Butler’s 6-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son at their grandmother’s house in Eva, Oklahoma.
The two acquaintances were supposed to bring the children back to Hugoton, Kansas to celebrate Butler’s daughter’s birthday, but the trip ended up three miles short of their destination.
Veronica Butler and Jilian Kelley never showed up to the children’s grandmother’s house on the 30th, and haven’t been heard from since.
Their vehicle, a blue Kia SUV, was found abandoned by Texas County Sheriff’s deputies near Interstate Highway I-95 and Road L in Texas County, Oklahoma, a rural area about three miles north of Eva near the Kansas border.
Investigation
Foul play is suspected in Veronica Butler and Jilian Kelley’s disappearance based on what was found in their vehicle, according to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
Investigators declined to say what evidence was found, citing the ongoing investigation.
Bodies Found, Four Taken Into Cusotdy
On April 13, 2024, four people were taken into custody in connection with Butler & Kelley’s disappearance, including the grandmother of Butler’s children.
On April 14, 2024, two bodies were found during a search of the area where their car was found. They were positively identified as Butler & Kelley on April 16, 2024.
Appearance
Veronica Butler
27 year old white female. Veronica has red hair, green eyes, and stands 5’4 tall. She has a Chinese symbol tattoo on her left forearm, and a sunflower tattoo on her left shoulder.
Veronica was last seen wearing a blue short sleeve shirt, demin shorts, and “Hey Dudes” shoes.
Jilian Kelley
39 year old white female. Jilian has brown hair and blue eyes. She has a butterfly tatoo on her left forearm.
Jilian was last seen wearing a long sleeve shirt, white washed blue jeans, and tan or beige color shoes.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Veronica Butler & Jilian Kelley please contact the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation at (800) 522-8017.
Resources & Further Information
Texas County Sheriff’s Department – Facebook
Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation – X
News & Media Links
Foul play suspected in the disappearance of two Kansas women whose vehicle was found in Oklahoma – AP News 04/24
‘Foul play’ suspected after 2 women never showed up to pick up kids, Oklahoma officials say – NBC News 04/24
‘Suspicious disappearance’: Law enforcement searches for 2 women in Oklahoma – ABC News 04/24
Timeline of Events: Kansas Women Still Missing, Police Suspect Foul Play – USA Today 04/24
Videos & Flyers
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