The trial of a Phoenix man accused of being a serial killer who murdered eight people over three weeks in 2017 begins this week.
Cleophus Cooksey, 42, faces the death penalty if convicted of the string of homicides. According to azcentral.com, the victims included Cooksey’s mother and husband, as well as people Cooksey had never met.
Prosecutors say the crime spree began on November 27 with the murders of Andrew Remillard and Parker Smith, who were shot in a parking lot near Indian School Road.
The killings ended on December 17 when officers responded to a report of gunshots and discovered Cooksey at the home of his mother, Rene Cooksey, and her husband, Edward Nunn. According to azcentral.com, police discovered their dead bodies inside their home, as well as blood-splattered walls.
According to Fox News, Cooksey answered the door when officers arrived, despite having a cut on his hand. Cooksey allegedly threatened to slit an officer’s throat before being arrested for the murders of his mother and her husband.
According to the station, police were able to link Cooksey to the other killings using ballistics evidence. Also, in one of the cases, the victim, Maria Villanueva, was sexually assaulted, and police discovered Cooksey’s DNA on her. According to Fox, police believe Cooksey is responsible for a ninth murder, but he has yet to be charged.
Opening statements in Cooksey’s trial were scheduled to begin on Monday. Police have not released a motive for the killings.