Moore, Oklahoma – Prosecutors in Oklahoma are seeking the death penalty for Chace Cook, a 20-year-old man accused of the brutal rape and murder of his ex-girlfriend, Madeline Bills, an 18-year-old high school basketball star. Cook was arrested in May, and prosecutors have filed a pre-trial motion for the death penalty, citing the nature of the alleged crime as “especially heinous, atrocious and cruel.”
Bills, described as a standout high school basketball player with a 4.0 GPA, was found dead in her bedroom on April 22, just weeks away from graduating and with plans to play college basketball for Northeastern Oklahoma A&M. According to police affidavits, Bills had expressed fear at her ex-boyfriend potentially causing her harm, prompting discussions about shifting her sleeping arrangements due to her concerns about Cook.
Despite initial claims of being out of the state during the time of the crime, investigators managed to piece together evidence, including surveillance footage and DNA samples, allegedly linking Cook to Bills’ murder. An autopsy report concluded that Bills died by strangulation, and a video found on Cook’s phone allegedly showed him raping her while she was unconscious.
Tributes for Bills, a member of the Osage Tribe, poured in following her tragic death, with loved ones mourning the loss of the talented basketball player. The district attorney’s office stated that their decision to seek the death penalty “was not made lightly” and that their priority was to seek justice for Madeline Bills and offer support to her family and friends in their grieving process. Bills’ obituary described her as someone who made a significant impact on many lives, citing her generous and friendly nature and her advocacy for others.
As Cook remains in custody, the community continues to grapple with the shocking loss of a promising young athlete, and the case has brought attention to the issue of domestic violence among young adults. A trial date has yet to be set, but the pursuit of the death penalty signals the gravity of the allegations and the impact of Bills’ untimely passing on the Moore community.