Last Updated Jan 18, 2018 1:08 PM EST
PHOENIX – Phoenix police say a convicted felon suspected in the slayings of his mother and another man is behind seven other recent killings.
Police, who were speaking 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.
CBS affiliate KPHO reports that officers were called to Cooksey’s mother’s home after witnesses reported hearing gunshots on the evening of Dec. 17.
The first officer on the scene reportedly saw blood on the patio in front of the door, as well as on the security door.
“The officer did not see any casings or blood trail leading from the apartment, which made him believe the injured person may still be inside the apartment,” according to court documents.
According to the probable cause statement, Cooksey answered the door when the officer knocked and said he was alone in the apartment.
The officer reportedly asked Cooksey to step outside, which he did “but opened the door just enough for his body to fit through so the inside of the apartment was not visible” and then closed both the door and security door.
The arresting officer said Cooksey told him the blood on the patio and door was his, explaining that he had cut his hand.
“He told the officer he washed the blood off and he was better now,” according to the probable cause for arrest statement.
At that point, the officer decided to detain Cooksey.
“Cooksey became upset and began yelling, ‘I’m the strongest man alive,’ and ‘I’ll cut your throat,’ and ‘I control the gun.'”
Once Cooksey was detained, officers went into the apartment and discovered the bodies of a man and woman. Both had been had been shot to death.
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