Moore, Oklahoma – Prosecutors in Oklahoma are seeking the death penalty for a 20-year-old man accused of brutally murdering 18-year-old Madeline Bills, his ex-girlfriend. Chace Cook was arrested in May following the murder of Bills, who was a standout high school basketball player weeks away from graduating with a 4.0 GPA and committed to play college basketball for Northeastern Oklahoma A&M.
In a pre-trial motion, Cleveland County District Attorney Greg Mashburn filed for a death penalty motion, citing the alleged crime as “especially heinous, atrocious and cruel.” The case is set for formal arraignment on February 28.
Bills’ tragic death sparked a wave of shock and grief in the community, as she was known for her promising future and athletic talent. According to reports, Bills had expressed fear to friends about her ex-boyfriend, Cook, harming her. She had planned to sleep inside the main residence of her family’s property due to her fear of Cook.
Police investigators pieced together surveillance footage from the night Bills was found dead, placing Cook at the scene of the crime. This led to his arrest, as well as the discovery of a video on Cook’s phone showing him raping Bills while she lay unconscious.
The tragedy left Bills’ family and friends grieving the loss of a vibrant and compassionate young woman, while they continue to seek justice for her. Tributes poured in for Bills, who was described as a member of the Osage Tribe and known for her kind and giving nature. The obituary for Bills highlighted her impact on the lives of those around her and her advocacy for others facing challenges in life.
As the community mourns the loss of Bills, the legal process moves forward as prosecutors seek justice for the victim, with the death penalty on the table for Chace Cook.