Suspected serial killer accused of killing 9 people in 3 weeks

Phoenix police say a convicted felon suspected in the slayings of his mother and another man is behind seven other recent killings.

Police, who plan to speak at a news conference Thursday morning, say 35-year-old Cleophus Cooksey is expected to face additional murder charges.

Cooksey was arrested Dec. 17 at the scene of the shooting deaths of his mother and stepfather in the couple’s home.

He faces two counts of premeditated first-degree murder and one count of weapon possession by a prohibited person.

Authorities say the other murders occurred within a three-week period starting in late November.

Those victims include his ex-girlfriend’s brother as well as people who appeared to be random targets.

According to Arizona Department of Corrections online records, Cooksey previously served time for manslaughter and armed robbery.