News Summary
Cleophus Cooksey Jr., 43, was convicted of eight first-degree murders, including the killings of his mother and stepfather. The murders occurred in late 2017 in Phoenix and Glendale, leading to outrage and calls for the death penalty. The trial revealed a spree of violence against both family and strangers, and Cooksey maintained his innocence despite overwhelming evidence against him. Following his recent release from prison, there are concerns about reintegration and public safety.
Arizona Man Cleophus Cooksey Jr. Convicted of Eight Murders, Including His Mother and Stepfather
Cleophus Cooksey Jr., a 43-year-old man from Arizona, was found guilty on September 25, 2025, of eight counts of first-degree murder, alongside charges of kidnapping, sexual assault, and armed robbery. The crimes occurred over a three-week period in late 2017, primarily in the Phoenix and Glendale areas.
The trial revealed that Cooksey’s victims included both random individuals and members of his own family. Among the deceased were his mother, Rene Cooksey, aged 56, and his stepfather, Edward Nunn, 54. The prosecution outlined a series of brutal murders that began on November 27, 2017, when the bodies of Andrew Remillard, 27, and Parker Smith, 21, were discovered shot dead in a parked car.
In the following days, Cooksey continued his violent spree. Salim Richards, 31, was found shot dead while walking to his girlfriend’s apartment; his possessions, including his gun, were reported missing. The assault escalated further when Latorrie Beckford, 29, was discovered shot twice in the head at a Glendale apartment complex. Kristopher Cameron, 21, was shot and killed during a drug transaction involving Cooksey. Additionally, Maria Villanueva, 43, was kidnapped; her body was later found partially nude and shot in an alley in Phoenix.
Law enforcement tracked down Cooksey on December 17, 2017, after responding to gunfire and discovering the bodies of his mother and stepfather behind a locked door. The police collected evidence linking him to the various murders, including Richards’ gun found at the crime scene and a necklace belonging to one of the victims. Despite the overwhelming evidence, Cooksey maintained his innocence throughout the trial, contending that he was wrongfully accused and identifying himself as a music artist.
The trial of Cleophus Cooksey Jr. extended over several months and experienced postponements as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the jury deliberated, families of the victims provided emotional responses in court, with some advocating for the death penalty as the most appropriate punishment for Cooksey’s extensive crimes.
Prosecutors are currently seeking the death penalty for Cooksey, with the sentencing phase of the trial set to begin shortly. It was further noted that Cooksey was released from prison just four months before these heinous acts, having served a previous sentence for manslaughter related to a 2001 robbery gone awry. His recent release raised substantial concerns about safety in the metro Phoenix area during the time of the murders, as residents expressed fears about venturing out, especially at night.
This tragic series of events has left a significant mark on the local community, highlighting not only the devastating impact of Cooksey’s actions on the victims’ families but also underlying issues within the criminal justice system regarding reintegration and public safety for previously incarcerated individuals.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: Cleophus Cooksey
- AZCentral
- Google Search: Cleophus Cooksey
- ABC News
- Google News: Cleophus Cooksey
- Fox 10 Phoenix
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cleophus Cooksey
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
