Alton Alexander Nolen, a recently fired employee, unleashed a violent assault, beheading 54-year-old Colleen Hufford and critically injuring another co-worker, Traci Johnson. The attack, abruptly halted when the company’s COO, Mark Vaughan, intervened and shot Nolen, left the community and nation reeling.
The Attack: A Timeline of Events
After being suspended earlier that day due to a complaint, Nolen retrieved a knife from home and returned to the plant. Crashing his vehicle into a parked car, he stormed the administrative office. He fatally attacked Hufford, decapitating her in a gruesome act of violence. Traci Johnson, the next victim, survived after suffering severe stab wounds. Mark Vaughan, also an Oklahoma County reserve deputy, stopped Nolen by shooting him.
The Victims
Colleen Hufford
Colleen Hufford, 54, was a beloved wife and mother. Her death was officially classified as a homicide, caused by decapitation due to sharp force trauma.
Traci Johnson
Traci Johnson, 43, survived the attack despite enduring multiple stab wounds. She later recounted the traumatic events during legal proceedings.
The Perpetrator: Alton Alexander Nolen
Alton Nolen, 30 at the time, had a history of criminal activity, including assault and drug-related offenses. Recently converted to Islam and adopting the name “Jah’Keem Yisrael,” his violent tendencies and grievances with co-workers culminated in the attack. Investigators noted his fascination with beheadings and his attempts to proselytize at work, raising questions about his motivations.
Investigations and Motive
The attack drew national attention due to its brutality and possible ideological connections. Witness accounts described Nolen’s escalating aggression and racial animosity. Authorities investigated his recent conversion to Islam, social media activity, and statements referencing Islamic teachings. However, prosecutors concluded that racial and personal grievances were more significant motivators than religion.
Trial and Sentencing
In 2017, after a lengthy legal process, Nolen was convicted of first-degree murder and multiple counts of assault. Rejecting his insanity defense, the jury recommended the death penalty. On December 15, 2017, a judge sentenced Nolen to death by lethal injection. Appeals affirmed the sentence, and Nolen remains on death row.
