DA Seeks Death Penalty For Moore Beheading Suspect

The Cleveland County District Attorney has filed formal notification to seek death penalty for a man who is accused of beheading a woman and stabbing another one at Vaughan Foods in Moore.

Alton Nolen, 30, has been charged with first-degree murder, assault and battery with a deadly weapon, and assault with a deadly weapon. Authorities said Nolen beheaded 54-year-old Colleen Hufford. When he was stabbing a second victim, 43-year-old Traci Johnson, he was shot by off-duty reserve deputy Mark Vaughan. 

10/1/2014 Related Story: Suspect In Moore Workplace Beheading Released From Hospital

On Thursday, Cleveland County District Attorney Greg Mashburn filed formal notification to seek death penalty for Nolen, if he is convicted of murder.

DA Mashburn said he is seeking death penalty for Nolen because,

1. The murder was especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel.

2. The defendant knowingly created a great risk of death to more than one person.

3. There exists a probability that the defendant will commit criminal acts of violence that would constitute a continuing threat to society.

4. The defendant was previously convicted of a felony involving the use or threat of violence to the person.

Nolen was released from the OU Medical Center Wednesday morning. He is being held in the Cleveland County Detention Center without bond.

Nolen has asked the judge to find a Muslim attorney to represent him. His next court date is October 14.