Day Three of Hays Murder Trial Brings 12 More Witnesses in Beckham County Court

The Penny News 897

Sayre, OK – After a full day of 11 witnesses called to the stand on Tuesday, day three of the murder trial of 38-year-old Clayton Samson Hays of Carter continued Wednesday in Beckham County District Court. Jury trial proceedings began Monday following jury selection last week.

On Wednesday, the State called 12 more witnesses, all of whom were sworn in and gave their testimony before court recessed for the evening at 7:25 p.m.

Hays is charged with first-degree manslaughter in the January 11, 2024, shooting death of 42-year-old Colter Vaught on the west side of Elk City.

Closing arguments in the trial are expected later this week, with jury deliberations possibly beginning as early as Thursday afternoon and continuing into Friday.

Copyright 2025 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.

 
 

More News

News
The Penny News 1251
News | April 03, 2026
SWOSU recognized students from across its academic colleges during the 2026 Distinguished Student Award Ceremony.
News
The Penny News 1250
News | April 03, 2026
The Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences at Southwestern Oklahoma State University will host a plant sale on Saturday, April 18, in the Old Science Building on the Weatherford campus.
News
The Penny News 1249
News | April 03, 2026
SWOSU has named Dr. Denise Landrum-Geyer as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. She will begin her role on May 1.
News
The Penny News 1248
News | April 03, 2026
Oklahoma could see changes to how oil and gas operations are taxed as State Rep. Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, works to address what he calls inconsistent and unfair practices across the state.
News
The Penny News 1247
News | April 03, 2026
A measure aimed at expanding industrial use of oil and gas wastewater for mineral development advanced this week in the Oklahoma House Energy Committee.
News
The Penny News 1246
News | April 02, 2026
The Oklahoma Legislature is moving closer to approving a measure aimed at shielding oil and gas companies from climate-related lawsuits.

 
PN49239
Have your ad read on the most powerful hour in radio, TRADIO. The buy, sell, and trade show that airs Monday through Friday at 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM and Saturday at 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM on KECO 96.5 FM.

 

 

© Copyright 2025, Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.