In Phoenix, a trial commenced for Cleophus Cooksey Jr., accused of a series of eight murders during a three-week period in late 2017. The pivotal moment in the investigation came when Cooksey was arrested after the brutal killings of his mother and stepfather at their apartment, where police discovered a blood-stained crime scene. Evidence from the apartment linked him to four other killings, including a gun, a victim’s necklace, and vehicle keys belonging to another victim.
Prosecutor Josh Maxwell stated that Cooksey targeted vulnerable individuals and presented evidence to establish his guilt. Defense attorney Robert Reinhardt contended that the prosecution failed to demonstrate a motive, describing the incidents as “random and unrelated.” Cooksey, who has a criminal record, was released from prison just four months before the murders.
The first victim was shot on November 27, 2017, followed by several others over the next weeks, with some victims being known to Cooksey and others strangers. Among the cases, Maria Villanueva was found dead in an alley after being abducted, with Cooksey’s DNA linked to her body.
In December, Cooksey was found at his mother’s apartment, where both she and her husband were murdered. Police discovered crucial evidence connecting him to the previous killings, including a gun that linked multiple victims. Amid delayed trial proceedings due to the pandemic, Cooksey has maintained his innocence and claims he is being falsely accused, insisting he is just an aspiring musician. If convicted, prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty against him. Cooksey’s trial is expected to last more than eight months, drawing public interest reminiscent of previous high-profile serial shooting cases in the Phoenix area.
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