Travis County DA’s Office Secures Guilty Verdict for Man Charged with Murder and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon

Travis County, TX — On Friday, January 26, 2024, a Travis County jury convicted Cornelius Cooks, 24, of Murder and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

Jury selection began on Monday, January 22, 2024, with testimony starting on Tuesday, January 23, 2024. On Friday, January 26, 2024, the jury deliberated and found Mr. Cooks guilty of Murder and five counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. On Monday, January 29, 2024, the jury members assessed his punishment at 23 years for Murder and 10 years for each count of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon to be served concurrently in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

The Lone Star Fugitive Taskforce arrested Mr. Cooks on May 4, 2021, for the murder of Kedarius Griffin, 18, that took place on April 14, 2021. On May 17, 2022, Mr. Cooks was indicted with the offenses of Murder and five counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

The case against Mr. Cooks was tried by Assistant District Attorneys Angie Creasy and Kiera Kilday, with the support of Investigators Cyril Friday, Dave Mahoney, and David Austin, Victim Counselor Raquel Pompey, Paralegal Diane Nanez, and Legal Secretary Rebecca LaBeth. Mr. Cook’s case was investigated by Austin Police Department Sgt. Jennifer Taylor as the lead detective.

“Our office is grateful to our dedicated staff and law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly to hold the defendant accountable and seek justice for the victim’s family,” said Travis County District Attorney José Garza. “We hope this verdict brings closure and peace to the victim’s family.” Public Servant, and he was indicted for that offense on February 13, 2023.

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