Sentencing Begins for Cleophus Cooksey Jr., Convicted in 2017 Phoenix Slayings
Sentencing is set to begin Monday for 43-year-old Cleophus Cooksey Jr., who was recently convicted on eight murder counts stemming from a 2017 killing spree in the Phoenix area and faces additional charges including kidnapping, armed robbery and sexual assault. Prosecutors — who presented evidence including DNA links, a recovered firearm, a victim’s necklace and vehicle keys and Cooksey’s arrest at a blood‑spattered apartment — are seeking the death penalty.
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🔍 Key Facts
- Defendant: Cleophus Cooksey Jr., 43, was tried in Arizona and was convicted last week on eight murder charges tied to a 2017 killing spree.
- Victims: Authorities say the crimes consist of eight fatal shootings across Phoenix and Glendale, with the first slaying occurring on Nov. 27, 2017.
- Range of charges: Prosecutors charged Cooksey with murder and related counts (including kidnapping, armed robbery and sexual assault) and are seeking the death penalty in the sentencing phase.
- Verdict and sentencing schedule: A jury returned guilty verdicts on eight murder counts; the sentencing portion/hearing was scheduled to begin Monday (imminent as of late September 2025).
- Physical and forensic evidence: Police recovered a gun tied to multiple crimes, a victim's necklace and vehicle keys, and investigators reported DNA from Cooksey on victim Maria Villanueva.
- Arrest circumstances and additional evidence: Prosecutors say a firearm belonging to victim Salim Richards was recovered at the scene of Cooksey's mother's apartment; Cooksey was arrested in a blood‑spattered unit after the alleged killing of his mother and stepfather.
📰 Sources (3)
Sentencing hearing begins Monday for man convicted of killing 8 people in metro Phoenix in 2017
New information:
- Sentencing portion of the trial is scheduled to begin Monday (imminent as of Sept. 28, 2025).
- Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty as part of the sentencing phase.
- The conviction occurred last week; the article reiterates the range of charges (murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, sexual assault) and summarizes evidence tying Cooksey to the murders (gun, keys, necklace, DNA).
Serial killer convicted of 8 murders in Arizona: "He's a monster"
New information:
- Jury returned guilty verdicts on eight murder charges against Cleophus Cooksey Jr.
- Cooksey, 43, now faces the death penalty at sentencing scheduled for Monday (May 2025).
- Prosecutors say Cooksey's DNA was found on victim Maria Villanueva and a firearm belonging to victim Salim Richards was recovered at the scene of his mother's apartment.
Man accused of 8 fatal shootings in Phoenix area faces jury verdict following murder trial
New information:
- Defendant: Cleophus Cooksey Jr., 43, tried on murder and related charges in Arizona.
- Victims: Eight fatal shootings across Phoenix and Glendale; first killing on Nov. 27, 2017.
- Timing: Jury verdict expected Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025; prosecutors intend to seek capital punishment on conviction.
- Evidence: Police recovered a gun tied to several crimes, a victim's necklace and vehicle keys; Cooksey was arrested at a blood‑spattered apartment after the alleged killing of his mother and stepfather.