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AN ELEVEN-year-old boy is in custody after he allegedly shot two family members dead – one of which served as an interim mayor and city council member.
The pre-teen, whose identity has not been released due to his age, allegedly confessed to police that he killed Joe Cornelius Sr., 81, and his daughter, Keisha Miles, 31.
The horrific chain of events occurred in the small town of Minden, Louisiana, about 30 miles east of Shreveport.
Police arrested the child on Sunday after obtaining a confession, Minden Police Chief Jared McIver told reporters during a press conference on Tuesday.
Another family member called 911 and police responded to find the child on the scene.
McIver said when police initially questioned the child, the story “didn’t add up.”
He was questioned further with his grandmother, who serves as his legal guardian, by his side.
McIver told local CBS affiliate KSLA that the child appeared to show no remorse when brought in for questioning.
“Now people, I understand, and here is something I have to say, everyone grieves differently,” he told the outlet.
“But I think we all know what grieving looks like and what it should look like and I just, you know, didn’t see it.”
Neighbors also told KSLA the incident occurred after Cornelius fought with the child on credit charges over video games.
“I think that’s what happened. He was arguing with him; I heard them hollering and stuff,” the neighbor said.
McIver refused to comment on the video game charges during the press conference.
He explained that police are still investigating what led to the gunshots on Sunday morning.
SCENE OF THE CRIME
Police found the two victims with gunshot wounds when they arrived at the home around 6:30 am on Sunday.
They later located two weapons hidden on the property.
McIver said the empty shell casings left at the scene of the crime matched the weapons.
It’s unclear who the weapons belonged to and how the child accessed them.
McIver told reporters, “When it comes to a crime like this – if a person wants to do harm to someone, it doesn’t matter the weapon, they’re going to find something to use.”
After police brought the child in for questioning, he eventually confessed to killing his family members.
“There’s a lot of pieces to put together, a lot of evidence that’s been collected and we got to take this puzzle and piece it together – piece by piece,” McIver said.
“Who knows why someone would do something this malicious — and at that age,” he added.
McIver said investigators are piecing together what happened, but are unsure what the child’s motive was.
When it comes to a crime like this – if a person wants to do harm to someone, it doesn’t matter the weapon, they’re going to find something to use.
Minden Police Chief Jared McIver
COMMUNITY REACTS
The gruesome deaths have shocked the small town of Minden, leaving the community with numerous unanswered questions.
Minden is also mourning Cornelius, a pillar in the town who was a longtime council member and a former interim mayor.
He stepped into the role when the mayor died in 2013.
Cornelius was unsuccessful in his run for the position later that year.
He also served as a former sheriff’s deputy and marshal.
Cornelius was working at a funeral home and was known for supporting the Black community of Minden by helping organize local events, the Associated Press reported.
McIver told reporters that his death was a “shock to the community” and praised Cornelius for his positive relationships with police officers.
“Joe Cornelius’s years of service to Minden were marked by his commitment and dedication to the betterment of our community,” Minden Mayor Nick Cox said in a statement.
“On a personal note, I am grateful for his friendship and the many ways he supported me and others in our city,” he continued.
“Let us come together as a community to honor Joe’s memory and support one another through this time of grief.”
“He was highly respected in the community,” a neighbor told KSLA.
Full statement from Mayor Nick Cox
Minden Mayor Nick Cox released a statement on the death of Joe Cornelius Sr. and his daughter that read,
“It is with deep sadness that we mourn the loss of Joe Cornelius Sr., a former long-time Minden City councilman and former appointed mayor of Minden.
“Joe Cornelius’s years of service to Minden were marked by his commitment and dedication to the betterment of our community. On a personal note, I am grateful for his friendship and the many ways he supported me and others in our city.
“During this incredibly difficult time, I ask that we all keep Joe’s family in our thoughts and prayers. May they find comfort and strength in the midst of this tragedy.
“Let us come together as a community to honor Joe’s memory and support one another through this time of grief.”
Sincerely,
Nick Cox
Mayor of Minden
WHAT NEXT?
The child has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and is being held on a $500,000 bond – $250,000 for each count.
McIver told reporters that the case will now be handed over to the prosecuting attorney’s office.
The prosecutors will decide if the child can be tried as an adult.
The U.S. Sun has reached out to Minden Police for an update on the case.
