Oklahoma authorities are currently investigating the suspicious disappearance of two women, Veronica Butler and Jilian Kelley, who failed to show up to pick up children last week as planned. A missing persons advisory was shared on the Facebook page of the Texas County Sheriff’s Department, indicating that the two women were traveling together to pick up the children but never made it to the pickup location. Their vehicle was later found abandoned on the side of a road. It is unclear whose children the two women were planning to pick up, but both Butler and Kelley are believed to be friends based on information provided by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
Veronica Butler’s stepmother and father revealed to NBC News that Veronica had been involved in a contentious custody dispute. Court records showed that a custody case had been opened and closed in late March 2015 for Butler, adding a potential motive for her disappearance. However, there are no identified suspects in the investigation at this time, and no threats against the women have been reported. The Texas County Sheriff’s Department has requested the assistance of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, with agents working diligently to determine the whereabouts of the missing women and uncover any possible explanations for their disappearance.
Veronica Butler is described as having red hair, green eyes, and multiple tattoos, while Jilian Kelley has brown hair, blue eyes, and a butterfly tattoo on her left forearm. In response to the disappearance of the women, the Willow Christian Church in Indianola posted a message on Facebook announcing a time of prayer for them and urged attendees to leave comforting notes and verses for their families during this challenging time. Additionally, it was reported that Kelley is the wife of the church’s new minister, Heath Kelley, who began serving in November. Attempts to reach him and the church for further information were unsuccessful.
Authorities continue to work tirelessly in their efforts to locate Veronica Butler and Jilian Kelley, with investigations ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding their disappearance. As the case progresses, details may emerge to shed light on what transpired and potentially provide clues as to their whereabouts. The community, including the church where Kelley’s husband serves as a minister, has come together to offer support and prayers for the missing women and their families during this difficult period of uncertainty. It is hoped that with the combined efforts of law enforcement and community support, answers will eventually be found in this troubling situation.
