Cleophus Emmanuel Cooksey Jr. (born March 25, 1982) is an accused American
spree killer
A spree killer is someone who commits a criminal act that involves two or more murders or homicides in a short time, in multiple locations. The U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics defines a spree killing as "killings at two or more locations wit ...
from
Phoenix
Phoenix most often refers to:
* Phoenix (mythology), a legendary bird from ancient Greek folklore
* Phoenix, Arizona, a city in the United States
Phoenix may also refer to:
Mythology
Greek mythological figures
* Phoenix (son of Amyntor), a ...
, Maricopa County, Arizona. He has been charged with nine murders and other crimes committed in the city and in surrounding areas during a 21-day span between November and December 2017.
All nine victims had been shot. His mother, Rene Cooksey, and his stepfather, Edward Nunn, were the final two victims. A blood-covered Cooksey was arrested at the scene.
Ballistics evidence, Genetic testing, DNA testing, stolen jewelry and a stolen mobile phone belonging to one of the victims linked Cooksey to the other seven murders. Phoenix authorities say there is a "distinct possibility" of more victims. Investigations into unsolved murders are ongoing.
Cooksey, a grandson of Tucson, Arizona, Tucson civil rights movement, civil rights leader Roy L. Cooksey,
is currently represented by public defender Gary Beren.
Known victims
Previous convictions
Cleophus Cooksey Jr. had been convicted of manslaughter and armed robbery in 2001 and had been released the previous July.
He was one of four men who attempted to rob a topless bar. Although the manager fatally shot one of Cooksey's accomplices and the shooting was deemed self-defense, under Felony murder rule (Arizona), Arizona's felony murder law, Cooksey was held culpable because the death occurred during the commission of a crime.
Under an agreement, he pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
Related arrests
Phoenix police arrested three women: Desaree Coronado (aged 23) and sisters Griselda and Liliana Vasquez (ages 24 and 26, respectively), on one count each of Obstruction of justice, hindering prosecution and Tampering with evidence, tampering with physical evidence. Both are Felony, felonies. Coronado was the mother of Jesus Real's child. She was also charged with one misdemeanor count of false reporting to law enforcement. Liliana Vasquez is Cleophus Cooksey Jr.'s ex-girlfriend. Griselda Vasquez ultimately admitted to taking a mobile phone off Real's body. Police say they have evidence that Liliana's car was in the area of two of the murders.
Their bonds were set at United States dollar, $3,000.
3 women accused of hindering Phoenix serial killer probe
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References
External links
YouTube video of Phoenix police department announcing Cleophus Cooksey Jr.'s arrest
(January 18, 2018)
{{DEFAULTSORT:Cooksey, Cleophus Jr.
1982 births
American people convicted of manslaughter
American people convicted of robbery
American mass murderers
Living people
Matricides
People charged with murder