The Cleveland County District Attorney’s Office has officially declared its intent to seek the death penalty for 20-year-old Chace Cook. Cook stands accused of the assault and murder of his ex-girlfriend, 18-year-old Madeline “Maddie” Bills, in her family’s pool house on April 22, 2023.
According to court records examined by Law&Crime, Cook faces charges of first-degree murder and first-degree assault in connection with the tragic incident. The decision to pursue the death penalty was announced in a recent news release by the DA’s office, stating, “Our office filed a Bill of Particulars for the Death Penalty against Defendant Chace Cook. The decision to seek the death penalty was not made lightly.”
The DA’s office highlighted its commitment to seeking justice for Madeline Bills, expressing sympathy for the grieving family and friends. The statement emphasized that, after careful consideration of the evidence and discussions with the family, they deemed the death penalty as a fair and just punishment for Cook’s alleged crimes.
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The state’s argument, as outlined in the court filing, centers on substantial evidence supporting aggravating factors for capital punishment. This includes the assertion that the alleged crime was “especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel,” as reported by Oklahoma City CBS affiliate KWTV.
In response to the DA’s pursuit of the death penalty, the victim’s family released a statement, stating, “We fully support their decision to seek the death penalty for the defendant. We believe that this is an appropriate sentence given the heinous nature of the crime and the devastating impact on our family and community.”
As previously reported by Law&Crime, Maddie Bills had confided in friends about her deep fear of Chace Cook. She had even planned to sleep inside the main residence of her home instead of the converted pool house due to her concerns. Tragically, it was in this pool house that her life was brutally taken.
The decision to seek the death penalty underscores the gravity of the charges against Cook and the profound impact of the crime on the victim’s family and the community. Prosecutors maintain that the evidence aligns with the necessary criteria for capital punishment, emphasizing the alleged heinous and cruel nature of the crime.
As legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on achieving justice for Madeline Bills. This case serves as a poignant reminder of the profound and lasting impact of violent crimes on individuals, families, and communities as they grapple with the aftermath of such a tragic loss.
