Investigation Continues Into Merritt Road Shooting Death

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January 23, 2024

The investigation continues into the shooting death of an Elk City man.

Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning says his office is coordinating with agents with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the District Attorney’s Office in the investigation into the shooting that occurred on the morning of January 11 on Merritt Road.

He reminds the public that although from the outside the investigation seems like a slow process, investigators have been working around the clock on the case.

According to the probable cause affidavit, the suspect, 37-year-old Clayton Samson Hays of Carter, told investigators that he shot the victim, 42-year-old Colter Jake Vaught, out of self defense – claiming Vaught was hitting him while he was in a semi truck on Merritt Road.

Hays’ next court date is scheduled for April 15.

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