Phoenix — A 43-year-old man was found guilty Thursday of eight counts of murder in a series of random shootings that terrorized the community and included the targeting of his mother and stepfather over a span of three weeks in late 2017. The case has underscored the lingering fears of violent crime in the area, stemming from a history of similar crimes that left residents on edge.
Cleophus Cooksey Jr. is now facing the death penalty, with sentencing scheduled for Monday. The trial, which has drawn considerable attention, also involved charges of kidnapping, sexual assault, and armed robbery. Cooksey’s string of violence occurred during a grim time for metro Phoenix, as the public grappled with two previous serial shooting cases that had heightened fears about safety in the region.
The crimes did not generate immediate media attention until Cooksey was arrested in 2018, a surprising development for many who were unaware that authorities were actively pursuiting a serial killer. Prosecutors contend that Cooksey’s victims included various individuals who were killed in seemingly random acts of violence. Two men, Parker Smith, 21, and Andrew Remillard, 27, were discovered shot dead in a parked car. A security guard, Salim Richards, was gunned down while on his way to visit his girlfriend, and a woman named Maria Villanueva was later found brutally murdered and sexually assaulted.
Cooksey reportedly had prior relationships with some victims, but police have not established a clear motive for his actions. Throughout the trial, Cooksey maintained his innocence and appeared stoic as the verdicts were read, despite the weight of the evidence presented against him.
After the verdict, Adriana Rodriguez, Villanueva’s daughter, shared her emotional relief, marking a bittersweet moment for her family as they finally seek closure. “He took my mom, the only support system that I had,” she said, overwhelmed with grief.
The violent rampage began shortly after Cooksey was released from prison, following a manslaughter conviction related to a 2001 armed robbery. His mother, Rene Cooksey, and stepfather, Edward Nunn, were found murdered in their apartment during a police response to a report of gunfire. Evidence found at the scene, which included a weapon linked to previous victims, pointed directly at Cooksey, further incriminating him in the eyes of law enforcement.
Friends and family of his victims have expressed their hopes for a severe penalty. Eric Hampton, a friend of Cooksey’s parents, called the defendant a “monster,” echoing the sentiments of many who have been touched by the violence.
The courtroom proceedings were held amid a backdrop of previous high-profile serial shootings in Phoenix. In 2015, a wave of freeway shootings terrorized the area but resulted in no serious injuries. A more horrific case unfolded between 2015 and 2016, leading to the conviction of another man responsible for multiple homicides.
Cooksey’s trial had faced numerous delays due to the pandemic, and during this time, he had expressed a desire to clear his name, insisting that he was merely an aspiring musician with no ties to the allegations against him. However, the evidence against him has proved overwhelming, leading to his conviction and the looming possibility of a death sentence. As the community begins to process the verdict, many are left reflecting on the impacts of violence and the quest for justice.