18-year-old star athlete found dead in home, Oklahoma cops say. Ex-boyfriend arrested
The “suspicious” death of an 18-year-old high schooler weeks from graduating has led to the arrest of her ex-boyfriend, according to Oklahoma police and media reports.
Madeline Bills, a senior at Moore High School, was found dead in the pool house of her home in Moore on Saturday, May 2, KOCO reported. Police have not released details of how she died.
Video evidence showed Bills’ 19-year-old ex-boyfriend, Chace Cook, jumping the fence to the pool house, according to KOKI. His DNA was collected at the scene, and police said he took videos with Bills the night she died.
Police said one of the videos, KOKI reported, showed Cook sexually assaulting Bills as she appeared to be unconscious.
Cook was reportedly arrested Monday, May 1, in Chicago. He was charged with first-degree rape, and Moore police anticipate additional charges, according to KFOR.
“She was so scared of him that she talked to friends about going into the main residence and not staying in the pool house,” Moore Police Lt. Wes Yost told KWTV.
Moore is about 10 miles south of Oklahoma City.
Who was Madeline Bills?
Bills was a standout on her high school basketball team who had signed her letter of intent to play for the Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College women’s basketball team.
The college said Bills will forever be a member of its team.
“We are deeply saddened by this loss and our thoughts and prayers go out to her family, teammates, teachers and friends during this difficult time,” the college said. “She was truly loved and will be missed by all that knew her.”
An obituary said Bills was a 4.0 student at Moore High School, where she was set to graduate May 23.
Bills “made an incredible impact on many lives,” according to the obituary.
“She had a personality that would light up any room,” the obituary said. “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.”
Her high school coach, Stephanie Brady, said Bills was every teacher and coach’s dream.
“Her legacy has just begun, and it’s going to continue because we’re talking about her and the way that she lived,” Brady told KOCO. “She didn’t live like other people. She lived differently, and she carried a light, and she made an impact on literally every single person that she came in contact with.”
Others commented on Bills’ “beautiful soul” and ability to “light up any room.”
“She had the best heart, she was funny, she was an incredible athlete, a great daughter, sister and friend and it was a true blessing to watch her grow up,” Rachel Shadid said in a Facebook post.
“She made everyone she came into contact with feel loved, heard and supported,” Carson Holland Matthews said. “Madeline was wise beyond her years.”
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