Justice Served: Cleophus Cooksey Jr. Convicted in Horrific Phoenix Serial Killings

A dark chapter in Phoenix's history drew closer to a resolution as Cleophus Cooksey Jr. was convicted on five counts of first-degree murder. The verdict brings a measure of justice to a community terrorized by a spree of nine killings that unfolded with chilling speed over a mere three weeks in late 2017, spanning Phoenix, Glendale, and Avondale.

Cooksey's victims included not only strangers but also his own family, highlighting the brutal and indiscriminate nature of his crimes.

This latest conviction specifically addresses the murders of his mother and stepfather, as well as his aunt and uncle, and a 27-year-old woman, marking a significant step in accountability for five of the nine slayings attributed to him.

The meticulous work of law enforcement and prosecutors pieced together a compelling case, relying on a tapestry of evidence that left little doubt about Cooksey's guilt.

DNA evidence, crucial ballistic matches, extensive cellphone records tracing his movements, and records from pawn shop transactions involving stolen firearms all converged to paint a damning picture. These elements relentlessly linked him to the scenes of the horrific crimes, ensuring that justice, though delayed, would not be denied.

This isn't Cooksey's first encounter with a jury on these charges.

He was previously convicted in 2022 for two other killings stemming from the same violent rampage. With these latest convictions, a substantial majority of the nine murders have now seen Cooksey held accountable in court. The legal process will now move to a sentencing phase, where prosecutors are expected to seek the death penalty, a final recourse for the profound loss and terror inflicted upon the community.

The convictions offer a somber closure for the families who have endured years of pain and uncertainty.

While the wounds of loss may never fully heal, the judicial system's affirmation of Cooksey's guilt provides a definitive end to the legal battle, upholding the community's demand for accountability for such heinous acts.