January 1, Phoenix Killer Sentenced to Death After Rampage

Wyatt’s Take

• Jury delivers death penalty to Phoenix serial killer for brutal killings.
• Cooksey convicted of eight murders during a 2017 spree targeting innocent victims.
• Case highlights the need for tough justice in America.

A Phoenix jury sentenced Cleophus Cooksey Jr. to death for six murders he committed over three weeks in 2017. Cooksey, 43, was convicted of first-degree murder for killing eight people in Phoenix and Glendale, but the jury could not unanimously agree on the death penalty for the deaths of his mother and stepfather.

Cooksey started his rampage by murdering Parker Smith and Andrew Remillard while they sat in a car, according to authorities. The spree ended with the murders of his own mother and stepfather. His other victims included Salim Richards, Latorrie Beckford, Kristopher Cameron, and Maria Villanueva.

“Anyone who questions why we need the death penalty needs to look no further than this case,” said Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell. “It takes a special kind of evil to prey upon the vulnerable and needlessly take the lives of eight innocent people. Death is the only just punishment for him, and we will do everything in our power to see it carried through.”

Evidence linked Cooksey to the crimes through DNA, firearms, and items stolen from his victims, like a gold necklace and car keys. The convictions carry an automatic appeal in Arizona and will be reviewed by the state Supreme Court.

Aside from murder charges, Cooksey was also found guilty of kidnapping, armed robbery, and attempted sexual assault, bringing him over nine years in additional prison time for those crimes.

If you believe in protecting innocent lives and keeping communities safe, stay informed on cases like this that remind us why strong justice is necessary.

Wyatt Matters

Justice matters in Middle America, where people value safety and the rule of law. Making sure criminals face consequences helps protect every family and community.

Read more at Just the News