A local municipal court judge, Vincent Forbes, has tendered his resignation following an interview with NewsNation concerning the case of the missing Kansas mothers. Forbes, who disclosed his friendship with suspect Tad Cullum, expressed shock at the developments and revealed his regular contact with Cullum, even being present during a police raid.
Forbes’ remarks, particularly his expression of disbelief at his friend’s arrest, seem to have irked local officials, prompting the mayor who appointed him to demand his resignation.
In the interview, Forbes described Cullum as a good friend and expressed surprise at the accusations. However, he noted some concerns about Cullum’s partner and alleged accomplice, Tifany Adams, describing her as “a little bit out of the left field.”
The suspects, including Adams, Cullum, Cora Twombly, and Cole Twombly, are charged with kidnapping and first-degree murder in the disappearance of Veronica Butler and Jilian Kelley. The victims vanished on March 30 while on their way to pick up Butler’s children for a supervised visit.
The quartet, allegedly affiliated with an anti-government religious group named “God’s Misfits,” has become a focal point of the investigation.
Forbes mentioned rumors about the group’s beliefs and practices but emphasized his lack of prior knowledge about them.
The suspects resided in the Oklahoma Panhandle, an area with a history of lawlessness in the 1800s, known as “No Man’s Land.” The property owner, who had leased land to Cullum, was reportedly surprised when investigators arrived to search the property.
Authorities believe the disappearance is linked to a custody dispute between Butler and Adams, which had escalated into violence.
The investigation continues, with questions remaining about the involvement of a fifth suspect, Paul Grice, who was allegedly connected to a previous murder plot but has not been arrested in connection with this case.
