Conviction in Arizona Murder Cases

A man was found guilty on Thursday on eight counts of murder related to a series of shootings that took place in Metro Phoenix in 2017 over a span of three weeks.

Prosecutors are pursuing the death penalty for Cleophus Cooksey Jr.

The victims included Cooksey’s mother and stepfather, a security guard who was on his way to meet his girlfriend, and a woman whose body was discovered in an alley after a reported sexual assault.

In addition to murder charges, Cooksey was also convicted of other crimes such as luring, sexual assault, and armed robbery.

Authorities described Cooksey, an aspiring musician, as having connections to some of the victims, though he claimed he did not know others involved.

He maintains that the allegations against him are unfounded.

It’s worth noting that the murder spree began just four months after Cooksey was released from prison, where he had served time for manslaughter linked to a 2001 robbery at a strip club, during which his accomplice was killed.

In the years prior, other shooting incidents had caused a notable fear among the Metro Phoenix community, leading some residents to stay indoors after dark. But Cooksey’s case didn’t attract substantial media attention until his arrest.

The initial victims included Parker Smith and Andrew Lemillard, both of whom were fatally shot while sitting in a car. Days later, security guard Salim Richards was shot while heading to his girlfriend’s place.

Further victims included Ruttlelie Beckford and Christopher Cameron, who were tragically killed in separate incidents in Glendale. Maria Villanueva was expected to be at her boyfriend’s apartment, but her body was found the next day in Phoenix, bearing signs of sexual assault. Cooksey’s DNA was later linked to her case.

When police responded to a report of gunshots at his mother’s apartment, Cooksey answered the door, with injuries to his hands and blood around him. During the attempt to arrest him, he reportedly threatened officers. Tragically, both his mother and stepfather were found deceased in the home.

Authorities discovered a gun belonging to Richards in the living room, which was subsequently connected to multiple murders, including those of Beckford, Cameron, and Villanueva. Additionally, keys to Villanueva’s vehicle were found at the scene, and Cooksey was reportedly wearing a necklace belonging to Richards at the time of his arrest.

In a handwritten letter to the judge regarding delays in his trial, Cooksey insisted that the accusations against him were false, asserting, “I’m a music artist, not a rapist or murderer.” His plea is emblematic of the often complex narratives that can emerge in high-profile cases like this one.