Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Phoenix police: Double-killing suspect tied to 7 more deaths

PHOENIX — Phoenix police suspect a convicted felon charged with murder in the killing of his mother and stepfather may have committed seven other killings.

Police plan a news conference Thursday to discuss the case involving 35-year-old Cleophus Cooksey.

The other victims include his ex-girlfriend's brother as well as people who appeared to be random targets during a three-week period starting in late November.

Cooksey was arrested Dec. 17 at the home of where his mother and stepfather were killed.

He faces two counts of premeditated first-degree murder and one count of weapon possession by a prohibited person.

He previously served time in prison for manslaughter and armed robbery.