Man facing death penalty for 'murder and rape' of ex-girlfriend, 18, at her home
A man is facing the death penalty for allegedly raping and murdering 18-year-old Madeline Bills. Oklahoma prosecutors are pushing for the death penalty against 20-year-old Chace Cook, who they claim ruthlessly killed his ex-girlfriend and filmed himself sexually assaulting her.
Bills was found lifeless in her bedroom on April 22, 2023; she was on the brink of finishing school with top grades and dreams of playing college basketball at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M. Cook is set for a formal arraignment on February 28. After a critical pre-trial motion this week, District Attorney Greg Mashburn is gunning for a death sentence citing that Cook's alleged actions were "especially heinous, atrocious and cruel."
Bills lived with her parents and had shifted to sleep in the main house from her bedroom in the pool house before her death, according to police reports. It was said that Cook, who claimed he was training with the Navy in Texas at the time, was picked up by the police after suspicious surveillance footage surfaced; a vehicle like his was seen about two miles from Bills' home on the tragic night. Cook lived just 15 miles from Bills' family abode.
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Later that night, a suspect was caught on a neighbour's surveillance camera at 4.38am climbing over Bills' fence and sneaking into the backyard. The video showed the person entering and leaving the property after just 90 seconds.
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The same vehicle, which matched Cook's description, was allegedly spotted again by cameras driving past Bill's family home at 6.34am. Shortly afterwards, another video showed the suspect scaling the fence once more at 6.42am, where they are seen entering the pool house. They then exit the poolside bedroom at 7.17am and clamber back over the fence.
An autopsy revealed Bills died from being strangled. Cook has been in custody since his charges for Bills' rape and murder in May 2023.
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Cook is awaiting trial for the murder and rape of Madeline Bills (Cleveland County District)The district attorney's office announced that its decision to pursue the death penalty "was not made lightly." The statement read: "After reviewing the evidence of the case and speaking to the family it is our position that the death penalty is a fair and just punishment to seek in light of this defendant's crimes. Our priority is to seek justice for Madeline Bills and our hearts go out to her family and friends as they continue to grieve."
Bills, a member of the Osage Tribe, was remembered fondly after her sudden passing. Her obituary read that she "made an incredible impact on many lives." It added: "She had a personality that would light up any room. Early on, she learned the value of giving back. She found great joy in giving and making friends special, homemade gifts. She strove to see the good in people. Madeline would adopt all animals in the shelter if it were an option. She was an advocate for others, especially those that had their own challenges in life. Madeline had an uncanny ability to bring truth to light, which was astonishing for a person of her age."
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]
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