In brief
An Arizona jury has convicted Cleophus Cooksey Jr. of eight counts of murder related to a series of shootings in metro Phoenix between November and December 2017, with the prosecution seeking the death penalty. The trial revealed that victims included Cooksey's mother and stepfather, as well as other individuals he was associated with. Despite maintaining his innocence, emotional reactions followed the verdict, particularly from victims' family members. The sentencing phase of the trial is set to commence on Monday.
Phoenix (AP) — An Arizona jury convicted a man Thursday on eight murder charges for a string of fatal shootings in metro Phoenix over a three-week span in 2017.The jury in Phoenix also found Cleophus Cooksey Jr., 43, guilty of crimes including kidnapping, sexual assault, and armed robbery. The sentencing portion of the trial begins Monday, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty.The victims included Cooksey’s mother and stepfather, a security guard, and a woman found in an alley who had been sexually assaulted. Cooksey, an aspiring musician, was known to some victims but was not acquainted with others.Cooksey maintained the allegations were false, showing no remorse as the verdict was read, leading to tears from victims' relatives.The shooting spree started shortly after Cooksey was released from prison for a previous manslaughter conviction related to a robbery in 2001. Victims included Parker Smith and Andrew Remillard, shot in a vehicle on November 27, 2017, and several others killed in separate incidents.One victim's daughter expressed her heartache, stating Cooksey took away her only support system. Eric Hampton, a friend of Cooksey's family, remarked on the monstrosity of Cooksey's actions, particularly in killing his own mother.In law enforcement's investigation, Cooksey's DNA was linked to one of the assaults, and multiple weapons tied to the murders were found in his mother's apartment, further implicating him. This case follows other serial shootings in Metro Phoenix that caused widespread fear among residents.