In the late hours of a November evening in Phoenix, Arizona, the life of 21-year-old Parker Smith was tragically cut short. On November 27, 2017, Smith and his friend, Andrew Remillard, were seated in a parked vehicle when they were both fatally shot. This seemingly random act of violence marked the beginning of a three-week reign of terror that would leave a trail of victims across the metropolitan area and instill a sense of fear within the community.
The man responsible for this
senseless act was Cleophus Cooksey Jr., a 35-year-old aspiring musician with a violent criminal past. Having been released from prison just four months prior for a manslaughter conviction, Cooksey embarked on a violent crime spree. Following the murders of Smith and Remillard, Cooksey would go on to kill six other individuals, including his own mother and stepfather. His victims were a diverse group, some known to him and others complete strangers, their only connection being the tragic circumstance of crossing paths with a serial killer.
The investigation into the string of murders gained momentum following the discovery of Cooksey's mother, Rene Cooksey, and his stepfather, Edward Nunn, shot to death in their apartment on December 17, 2017. When police responded to a call of shots fired, they found a blood-covered Cooksey at the scene. A search of the residence uncovered evidence that would link him to the other killings, including a handgun stolen from a security guard he had murdered and the keys to another victim's vehicle. Advanced ballistic technology played a crucial role in connecting the same weapon to multiple crime scenes, solidifying the case against him.
In September 2025, a jury found Cleophus Cooksey Jr. guilty on eight counts of first-degree murder, as well as charges of kidnapping, sexual assault, and armed robbery. The trial brought to light the chilling details of his crimes and provided a measure of closure for the families of his victims. While the motive for his rampage was never fully explained, the conviction ensured that the man who brought so much sorrow to so many would be held accountable for his actions.
