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 vanished 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.
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.
Whereabouts
The circumstances of Veronica Butler and Jilian Kelley’s disappearance remain unclear and the case is currently classified as missing.
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.
