Cleophus Jr Cooksey

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Family

American accused spree killer from Phoenix, Arizona, who 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 his final two victims. A blood-covered Cooksey was arrested at the scene. Ballistics evidence, 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. Cleophus Cooksey Jr. had been convicted of manslaughter and armed robbery in 2001 and had been released in July 2017. 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 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. Cooksey is a grandson of Tucson civil rights leader Roy L. Cooksey. Link to Wikipedia biography