Minden, Louisiana — In a shocking incident, an 11-year-old boy has been arrested for allegedly fatally shooting the city’s former mayor, Joe Cornelius Sr., and his daughter, Keisha Miles. The tragic event unfolded early Sunday morning, leaving the community reeling.
Joe Cornelius Sr., 82, and his 31-year-old daughter were discovered inside their home with multiple gunshot wounds around 6:30 a.m. local time (11:30 GMT). The police have confirmed that the suspect, who remains unnamed due to his age, is a “relative or family member” of the victims.
Confession and arrest
According to law enforcement, the boy confessed to the crime after being brought to investigators by an adult at the scene. He is currently held on two counts of first-degree murder, with a bond set at $500,000.
In a news conference on Tuesday, Minden Police Chief Jared McIver expressed the city’s mixed emotions. “The city is in shock,” he said. “But the city is also relieved as well because the person that committed the crime is locked up.”
Details of the investigation
Police were alerted to the home by a third family member and discovered two guns believed to be the murder weapons hidden at the scene. During initial questioning, the child provided a story that “just didn’t add up,” according to Chief McIver. It was only later that he confessed, although the motive remains unclear.
“What is the ‘why’ behind it? We do not know that yet. We are still piecing the puzzle pieces together right now,” McIver added. He also noted the “shock factor, because of the age of the child.”
Former Mayor remembered
“Everyone knows Mr. Joe,” McIver said, reflecting on the community’s fondness for the former mayor. “Mr. Joe would come into the police department a lot. He was always joking, always had a joke to tell.”
Chief McIver declined to confirm a local media report suggesting the shooting resulted from an argument about video game purchases. The boy described how he obtained the weapons in his confession, but authorities are not yet ready to share that detail publicly.
A legacy of service
Joe Cornelius Sr. was a well-known figure in Minden, a city of 11,000 residents located about 30 miles (48km) east of Shreveport. In addition to serving as mayor and city councilman, Cornelius was a former sheriff’s deputy, marshal, and funeral home worker. He also ran community programs for black youth.
“Joe Cornelius’s years of service to Minden were marked by his commitment and dedication to the betterment of our community,” said Minden Mayor Nick Cox in a statement. “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.”
This tragic event has left the community grappling with unanswered questions and a deep sense of loss.