What's happened
Cleophus Cooksey Jr., 43, was convicted of eight murders in Phoenix and Glendale, with jurors sentencing him to death for six. The jury is undecided on the death penalty for his mother and stepfather. Authorities linked Cooksey to the killings through evidence found at his mother’s apartment. He maintains innocence.
What's behind the headline?
The conviction of Cleophus Cooksey Jr. underscores the severity of his crimes, which involved the murder of eight individuals over a span of weeks. The jury's decision to sentence him to death in six cases reflects the gravity of his actions and the state's stance on capital punishment for such heinous acts. The undecided verdict on his mother and stepfather's killings highlights the complexities of sentencing in cases involving multiple victims and motives. The evidence linking Cooksey to the murders—such as the gun, victim’s necklace, and vehicle keys—demonstrates a clear pattern of premeditated violence. This case exemplifies how forensic evidence can decisively connect suspects to multiple crimes, even when motives remain unclear. The broader context of serial shootings in Phoenix, including previous cases, indicates a troubling pattern of gun violence in the region. The case also raises questions about the criminal justice system's approach to serial killers and the use of the death penalty, which remains a contentious issue nationwide. Moving forward, the potential for a sentencing retrial or life imprisonment for the undecided cases will shape the final chapter of this tragic series of events, with implications for regional law enforcement and judicial policies.
What the papers say
The articles from NY Post, AP News, and The Independent provide consistent timelines and details about Cooksey's crimes, evidence, and legal proceedings. The NY Post emphasizes the evidence found at his mother’s apartment and the jury's sentencing decision, while AP News offers a detailed timeline of the murders and the investigation process. The Independent highlights the broader context of Phoenix's serial shootings and the ongoing debate over the death penalty. All sources agree on the core facts but differ slightly in their focus—some emphasizing the evidence, others the legal process or regional violence patterns—offering a comprehensive view of this case.
How we got here
Cooksey's crimes span from late 2017, involving multiple shootings and murders of victims including two men in a parked car, a security guard, and a woman found in an alley. Evidence at his mother’s apartment, including a gun and victim’s necklace, connected him to the crimes. His arrest followed a police response to gunfire at his mother’s residence, where he was found with blood and threatened officers. The case is part of a series of violent incidents in the Phoenix area, with Cooksey's trial concluding in late September 2025.
Go deeper
Common question
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Who Is Cleophus Cooksey Jr. and Why Is He Facing the Death Penalty?
The case of Cleophus Cooksey Jr. has captured attention in Arizona as authorities link him to a series of murders. Many wonder who he is, what evidence ties him to these crimes, and why the death penalty is being considered. Below, we explore the key details of this high-profile case and answer common questions about the investigation, the legal process, and what it reveals about crime in Arizona.
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Cleophus Emmanuel Cooksey Jr. (born March 25, 1982) is an American convicted serial killer and serial rapist who was found guilty in 2025 of killing eight people during a three-week killing spree in the Phoenix metropolitan area in late 2017. A Maricopa..
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