Former Cleveland Co. Deputy Chooses Not to Appeal Murder Conviction

Former Cleveland County deputy convicted of killing his wife decides not to appeal his guilty plea.

Vaughn Cannon sent Canadian County Judge Paul Hess a letter on December 17 requesting to appeal his case. Judge Hess was scheduled to consider his application during a hearing on Tuesday when in a surprise move, Cannon changed his mind.

“We were kind of shocked,” said Rusty Pyle, the father of the victim, Jordan Pyle. “We're happy that he did, we think that is the right thing to do and we think he knows that and we're just glad he took that route.”

The last time Pyle sat inside a Canadian County courtroom was in December when the former Cleveland County deputy admitted to fatally shooting Pyle in 2023. Cannon was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

“Our family has been put through hell, just to put it plainly, and we're tired,” Pyle said.

Cannon gave no reason for changing his mind on the appeal, only that he had discussed the pros and cons with his attorney.

“Maybe we can relax a little bit now,” Pyle said. “We can't be happy because of the circumstances, but there is a little bit of closure there.”

The 10-day window for Cannon to appeal has now expired. He will remain inside the Canadian County jail until he is transferred to a state prison.

Cannon was convicted of fatally shooting his wife, Jordan Pyle, in August 2023.

Background: Sentenced To Life Without Parole: Former Cleveland County Deputy Vaughn Cannon

This latest move marks the second time Cannon has sought to alter his plea.