RUFUS – Former Mesa State Rep. Joseph Cooke was found dead at his Apartment early this morning. According to dispatch reports, one of Cooke’s neighbors reported a loud thud and silence. Law enforcement officials are reporting that he was murdered. Cooke who is the younger nephew of Jesstopian Senator Thomas Cooke was only 37.

Deputies knocked on the door multiple times before forcing entry into the apartment where the found the former Representative laying on the floor with blood pooling around him and coming from his nose and mouth. His death is being ruled a homicide and investigators are gathering evidence as they seek to piece together what happened.

Jesstopian Senator Thomas Cooke said he is sad to learn about his youngest nephew and says he would be flying to Mesa to meet up with his family as they navigate and process this loss.

“It’s unbelievable that Joe is dead,” said Sen. Thomas Cooke. “He was my best friend and was the greatest nephew an uncle could have asked for. My heart is absolutely shattered and my heart breaks for my brother and sister-in-law. The world truly lost friend, leader and advocate and he will be missed.”

Mesa Governor Joshua Adamson ordered all state flags at all State buildings to be lowered to half-staff until Cooke’s internment. He did call Senator Thomas Cooke to offer his condolences and prayers according to sources close to Sen. Cooke. Governor Adamson also called other members of the family in a private call to them.

“My condolences to the Cooke Family as the navigate their loss,” said Governor Adamson. “I will lower flags starting today until midnight on August 4, 2026, in honor of former Mesa State Representative Joseph Cooke.”