God's Misfits: The Murders of Veronica Butler and Jilian Kelley

A routine custody exchange. A deserted highway. Two women vanish without a trace.

On March 30, 2024, Jilian Kelley and Veronica Butler set off on what should have been a simple trip to pick up Veronica’s children. But when they never returned home, their loved ones knew something was terribly wrong. Their vehicle was later found abandoned near the Oklahoma-Kansas border, but there was no sign of the women. The unsettling clues left behind hinted at something far more sinister.

As law enforcement launched an investigation, they began to uncover a dark and twisted conspiracy—one fueled by paranoia, power, and an insatiable need for control. The case would lead authorities to a secretive anti-government group calling themselves God’s Misfits, whose disturbing beliefs and extreme actions would shock an entire community.

What happened to Jilian and Veronica that day? Who was behind their disappearance? And how did a bitter custody dispute escalate into something so horrifying?

In this episode, we break down the chilling details of the case, the web of deception woven by those responsible, and the terrifying truths uncovered along the way. Join us as we unravel the mystery behind God’s Misfits—a case of control, delusion, and murder.

 

As we discuss this heart-wrenching story, it's important to acknowledge the enduring impact on the victims' families. Clinton Butler, the father of Veronica Butler, has faced immense emotional and financial challenges following the loss of his daughter. To support him during this difficult time, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to help him retain his family home. If you're moved by his story and wish to contribute, you can find more information here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-clinton-butler-keep-his-family-home?utm_source=chatgpt.com

 

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Art for the podcast was created by Kelly Steen. Editing/Production for the podcast by Bltzwolff (bltzwolff@gmail.com).

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References:

Al-Arshani, S., & Encinas, A. (2024, April 15). Timeline of events: Bodies found in connection to missing Kansas women, 4 people arrested. USA Today. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/04/15/veronica-butler-jilian-kelley-timeline-missing-kansas-women/73329356007/

Burch, J. (2024, November 6). Victim in Texas County murders stabbed 9 times, medical examiner says. KVII. https://abc7amarillo.com/news/local/victim-in-texas-county-murders-stabbed-16-times-medical-examiner-says-jilian-kelley-autopsy-veronica-butler

Fiallo, J. (2024, September 9). “f*cking b*tch!”: Fam of slain kansas moms lose it in Court. The Daily Beast. https://www.thedailybeast.com/family-of-murdered-kansas-moms-veronica-butler-and-jilian-kelley-lose-it-in-court/

JC Post. (2024, April 18). Grandmother admits responsibility for death of 2 missing Kan. women. https://jcpost.com/posts/ccc266aa-e3dd-4e0f-b172-2e23cb1a7113

McCoy, M. (2024, April 24). The deaths of two Kansas women unearthed an anti-government group. was it a factor in murder?. The Oklahoman. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/opinion/columns/2024/04/23/gods-misfits-oklahoma-veronica-butler-jilian-kelley-murder/73424210007/

McMillan, L. (2024, November 5). New details released in Jilian Kelley’s murder. KSN.COM News. https://www.ksn.com/news/crime/new-details-released-in-jilian-kelleys-murder/

Murder in The First Degree - Deliberate Intent 21 Murder in The First Degree - Deliberate Intent - 21 0.s. 701.7 (A), A Felon | PDF

Oklahoma District Court. (2023). Arrest warrant for Tad Bert Cullum [Arrest warrant]. T.-B.-Cullum-CF-24-71-Info-and-Affidavit_Redacted.pdf

Robson Funeral Home. (n.d.). Obituary for Jilian Dalbey Kelley. Retrieved October 30, 2024, from https://www.robsonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/jilian-dalbey-kelley

Robson Funeral Home. (n.d.). *Obituary for Veronica Butler*. Retrieved October 30, 2024, from https://www.robsonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/veronica-butler

"STATE OF OKLAHOMA VS. CULLUM, TAD BERT " (CF-2024-00071) | On Demand Court Records

The Oklahoman. (2024, December 17). 'God's Misfits' grandmother accused of murdering two goes to jury trial. Retrieved from https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2024/12/17/gods-misfits-grandmother-accused-murdering-two-goes-jury-trial/77039311007/

The Oklahoman. (2024, December 16). 'God's Misfits': Testimony begins in Oklahoma murders of Veronica Butler and Jilian Kelley. Retrieved from https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2024/12/16/gods-misfits-oklahoma-murders-testimony-preliminary-trial-begins-veronica-butler-jilian-kelley/77028692007/

9-9-24 - State's Brief in Support of Consolidation For Prelim HRG | PDF

Medical Examiner's Summary Report For Veronica Butler | PDF | Autopsy | Death

Summary Medical Examiners Report For Jilian Kelley | PDF | Autopsy | Death

Jilian Kelley Full Medical Examiners Report | PDF | Vertebra | Neck

Veronica Butler Full Medical Examiner Report | PDF | Neck | Common Carotid Artery