An 11-year-old boy has been charged with two charges of first-degree murder after allegedly shooting and killing a former Louisiana mayor and his adult daughter, according to authorities.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Minden Police Chief Jared McIver announced the boy’s arrest and verified the passing of Joe Cornelius Sr., 82, and his daughter Keisha Miles, 31.
“I just want to start out by giving our condolences to the family,” McIver stated. “This is a very tough issue to be dealing with and the city mourns with you, as well. The city is also in shock.”
According to McIver, Minden police received a 911 call regarding the gunshot on Sunday at roughly 6:30 a.m. Two persons were found dead inside a residence, according to the caller, whom the chief identified as a family member.
McIver added that Cornelius and Miles were discovered dead inside the house from numerous gunshot wounds. He said that two weapons that matched the empty shot casings discovered at the shooting site were found by investigators stashed on the property.
The 11-year-old child who was there when police arrived was questioned by detectives shortly after, according to McIver. The chief claimed that the boy eventually admitted to carrying out the shootings after providing officials with a tale that “didn’t add up.” The suspect is reportedly a family member of Cornelius and Miles, but it is unclear how they are related.
“A lot of questions have arose [sic] about what is the why behind this. We do not know that yet,” according to the chief. “We are still piecing the puzzle pieces together right now.”
The current mayor of Minden, Louisiana, Nick Cox, stated during the press conference that Joe Cornelius Sr. had previously served as a longstanding city council member and interim mayor.
“This is a somber day for our community as we face this tragedy that has deeply affected us all, our hearts and prayers are with the Cornelius family and their friends during this unimaginable time,” Cox said.
The 11-year-old remains in detention on a $500,000 bail.
