Vaughn Cannon, a former Cleveland County Deputy, was sentenced to life in prison without parole on December 10, 2024, after pleading guilty to the first-degree murder of his wife, Jordan Pyle, who was also a deputy.
Court Proceedings
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During the hearing, Cannon’s ex-wife testified about enduring abuse during their marriage. Prosecutors presented police body camera footage from August 30, 2023, the night of the murder. In the footage, Cannon is seen covering his ears as investigators detailed how he shot his wife 12 times in the head while her teenage son was asleep nearby.
Cannon read a prepared statement, sobbing as he expressed remorse, claimed he wished he could take her place, and asked for forgiveness from the families involved. When questioned about his actions, Cannon offered no explanation, stating only that he did not remember the incident.
Family’s Reaction
Jordan Pyle’s father, Rusty Pyle, said he felt justice was served:
“I think the judge gave the right verdict. It was only just that he spends the rest of his life in prison,” he said.
Though grateful to avoid a trial, Rusty noted the pain of reviewing evidence, adding, “We were hoping for this end, and we got it. Time to start healing.”
Rusty described Jordan as a “bright light” and pledged to honor her memory every day.
The Incident
Investigators reported that the shooting occurred on August 30, 2023, during a domestic dispute at the couple’s home near Southwest 29th Street and Brookstone Lake Drive in Oklahoma City. Officers found Jordan Pyle, 40, dead from gunshot wounds. The couple had reportedly been arguing before Cannon fired the fatal shots.
Cannon remained at the scene and was arrested without resistance. He was charged with first-degree murder, a development that shocked the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office and the community. Both Cannon and Pyle were law enforcement officers. Sheriff Chris Amason later described Pyle’s death as a profound loss, stating, “It robs us of a dedicated and courageous public servant.”
Medical Examiner’s Findings
A report from October 20, 2023, confirmed that Pyle had been shot 12 times, with 11 wounds on the left side of her face and one on the right. The report also noted the removal of two rings from her left ring finger.
Arrest and Evidence
Cannon’s arrest followed a 911 call from a teenager in the home who reported hearing gunshots. Police body camera footage shows Cannon leaving a bedroom and calling out for his uncle as officers arrested him. Cannon admitted to hearing the gunshots but claimed he didn’t surrender immediately until urged by a family member.
Sheriff’s Remarks
In a press conference, Sheriff Chris Amason expressed anger over the incident, saying, “I’m pissed off. I am mad at him for taking her life.” He described Pyle as “a ray of sunshine” with a smile that could brighten any room.
Pyle joined the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office in 2021 and served in various roles, including school resource officer, Crisis Intervention Team member, and Honor Guard participant.
Honoring Jordan Pyle
Pyle’s funeral, held on September 7, 2023, drew family, friends, and law enforcement officers from across Oklahoma. Pastor Bruce Christian shared memories of Pyle’s childhood dream of becoming a police officer, inspired by her father, Rusty. Despite her father’s initial reluctance, Jordan was determined to serve and help others.
The service featured full law enforcement honors, including a 21-gun salute, and her family received folded American flags in recognition of her service. Police Chaplain Jack Poe described Pyle as a supportive presence for her colleagues, saying, “She was there to lift us up, and now we are here to see the family through.”
Rusty Pyle shared in February 2024 that coping with the loss remains a daily struggle: “She was something special. It’s a tear fest every single day, and that’s tough.” He recalled his daughter’s passion for helping others and lamented the life she still wanted to live.
Community Support
The Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office released a heartfelt statement mourning Pyle’s loss:
“We are all heartbroken. Jordan was a ray of sunshine with a smile that could light up a room. She loved being a deputy sheriff and had a heart for serving others. This is a difficult time for everyone involved, but we will get through this together.”
The office also called for community support during this challenging time, as the Oklahoma City Police Department continues its investigation into the incident.
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