Cleophus Cooksey Jr. Convicted in 2017 Arizona Killing Spree

PHOENIX, Arizona — Cleophus Cooksey Jr. was convicted on Thursday of multiple murder charges for a brutal killing spree that left eight people dead in 2017. The verdict was delivered after weeks of deliberation in Maricopa County court.

Cooksey faces eight counts of first-degree murder along with charges of armed robbery, kidnapping, and attempted sexual assault. Prosecutors seek the death penalty. The killings occurred over a three-week span starting on November 27, 2017, and spanned the Phoenix and Glendale areas.

The evidence presented included DNA, ballistics, cellphone data, and eyewitness accounts. Prosecutors stated that Cooksey was found covered in blood at one scene where his mother, Rene Cooksey, and stepfather, Edward Nunn, were discovered shot dead in their apartment.

The first victims of the spree were Parker Smith and Andrew Remillard, who were found shot inside a car in a parking lot. Five days later, security guard Salim Richards was killed during a confrontation with Cooksey, who allegedly stole Richards’ gun. That gun was later linked to several other murders.

On December 17, 2017, Cooksey’s mother and stepfather were found dead, and law enforcement arrested him shortly thereafter. Cooksey has claimed the accusations against him are false.

Defense attorneys argued that the prosecution had not provided sufficient evidence proving premeditation and challenged the credibility of the witnesses. During the trial, jurors witnessed emotional testimonies from victims’ families.

As the verdict was announced, family members expressed their grief. Adriana Rodriguez, daughter of one of the victims, said, “He took my mom. The only support system that I had.”

A jury will soon decide Cooksey’s punishment, amid ongoing discussions about a potential ninth count linked to his crimes.