Hays defense files motion for immunity in Vaught manslaughter case
On July 2, in Beckham County District Court, new court documents were filed by the defense for 38-yearold Clayton Sampson Hays in a first-degree manslaughter case that has been well-watched by the public.
Hays is currently being held in the Beckham County Detention Center on a $1,000,000 bond after being charged with first-degree manslaughter in the shooting death of Sayre man, Colter Vaught.
Vaught was shot and killed by Hays outside an Elk City oilfield business on January 18. Hays reportedly admitted to law enforcement at the time of the shooting that he had shot Vaught.
Hays had previously been released on bond, but the bond was revoked after Hays allegedly placed feces on a memorial erected in Vaught’s honor near the place he died. The memorial was on private property.
HAYS
Hays was then jailed on one count of outraging public decency. His previous bond for the first-degree manslaughter charge was revoked, forcing him to return to jail.
The new bond was set at $1,000,000 for first-degree manslaughter. He received an additional $5,000 bond for outraging public decency.
Hays’s attorney, Ryan Recker, filed the motion for immunity from prosecution and requested a hearing.
In the court documents, Recker argues that Hays is immune from prosecution.
“The Defendant asserts, and numerous pieces of both physical and eye-witness testimony acquired during the investigation substantiate that the Defendant was attacked by Mr. Vaught and that deadly force was necessary to thwart said attack,” Recker wrote.
Recker cited Oklahoma law passed by the Oklahoma Legislature to argue that Hays was immune from prosecution.
Hays is due back in court on July 25.
