January 18, 2024
The man accused of fatally shooting another man on the west side of Elk City last week has been formally charged with first degree manslaughter in Beckham County District Court.
Court records show 37-year-old Clayton Samson Hays of Carter was arraigned on Thursday and charged with the crime after appearing virtually before the judge.
The probable cause affidavit provided to Paragon Communications gave more details of the shooting that occurred on the morning of January 11 at an oil company located in the 900 block of S. Merritt Road.
The affidavit stated that the defendant claimed that the victim, 42-year-old Colter Jake Vaught, had been trying to get into the semi truck that Hays was driving while stopped at a stop sign. During an interview with investigators, Hays said that Vaught did this and began to hit the defendant. Hays said he would grab a 9mm hand gun that he had between the seats in the truck and shoot at Vaught – striking him in the chest.
Vaught would later die on the scene.
The affidavit said that the two had a long feud with each other that, in December, saw law enforcement responding to a call of a non physical altercation between Vaught and Hays at Vaught’s father’s residence where Hays had gone to confront Vaught.
It was also noted in the affidavit that a visual inspection of Hays did not show any injuries consistent with a physical altercation.
Bond for Hays was initially denied. His next court date is scheduled for April 15.
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