Chace Cook Sentenced To Life Without Parole In Murder Of Moore Teen
- mike33692
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Chace Cook Sentenced To Life Without Parole In Murder Of Moore Teen
More than three years after the killing of Moore teenager Madeline Bills, her family has received a measure of closure as Chace Cook pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The plea agreement brings an end to years of court proceedings stemming from the 2023 death of the 18-year-old Moore High School student, whose case drew widespread attention across Oklahoma.
Chace Cook Sentenced In Madeline Bills Murder Case
Cook, 23, entered a guilty plea Tuesday before Cleveland County District Judge Lynne McGuire to first-degree murder with malice aforethought in the death of Madeline Bills.
According to the Cleveland County District Attorney's Office, Cook was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole and waived his right to appeal.
As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors withdrew the Bill of Particulars previously filed in the case, meaning the state will no longer pursue the death penalty. The district attorney's office said the agreement was reached with the consent of Bills' family.
Cook also pleaded guilty in two unrelated cases, receiving a 20-year sentence for possessing contraband in jail and a six-month county jail sentence for assault and battery. All three sentences will run concurrently.
Family Endured More Than Three Years Of Court Proceedings
Madeline Bills was found dead inside her Moore home on April 23, 2023, at the age of 18.
Investigators alleged Cook, Bills' former boyfriend, sexually assaulted her before her death. Court records stated Cook recorded the assault while Bills was unconscious, and investigators said surveillance video and other evidence contradicted his claim that he was not in Oklahoma when the crime occurred.
The Moore Police Department led the investigation that ultimately resulted in Cook's arrest and prosecution.
According to prosecutors, the case involved years of hearings, continuances and legal proceedings before Tuesday's guilty plea brought the criminal case to a close.
District Attorney Says Plea Brings Final Resolution
During Tuesday's sentencing hearing, members of Bills' family remembered the Moore teenager as "a light" while expressing gratitude to prosecutors, victim advocates and Moore police for their work throughout the investigation.
In a statement released by the Cleveland County District Attorney's Office, District Attorney Jennifer Austin said the plea and sentencing provide accountability but cannot undo the family's devastating loss.
Austin also recognized the efforts of prosecutors, victim advocates, support staff and the Moore Police Department, while extending condolences to Bills' family and loved ones.
The guilty plea concludes one of Cleveland County's highest-profile murder cases in recent years, ending more than three years of legal proceedings while ensuring Cook will spend the remainder of his life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Comments