OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — The Cleveland County District Attorney’s Office is seeking the death penalty for Chace Cook, 20, in the case of the rape and murder of 18-year-old Madeline “Maddie” Bills. Cook, arrested in May last year, faces charges of first-degree murder and first-degree rape in connection with the attack on April 22, 2023.
The decision to pursue capital punishment was announced this week, with the DA’s office emphasizing that the choice was made after careful consideration of the evidence and consultation with the victim’s family. They described the death penalty as a “fair and just punishment” in light of the severity of Cook’s alleged crimes.
Prosecutors allege that the nature of the crime, described as “especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel,” meets the criteria for seeking the death penalty under Oklahoma law. This position is reportedly supported by a statement from the victim’s family.
The case has attracted attention due to the young ages of both the victim and the accused, as well as the extreme nature of the crime. The pursuit of the death penalty in this case highlights the ongoing debate over capital punishment in the United States, particularly in cases involving young defendants and heinous crimes.