11-Year-Old Boy Arrested for Fatally Shooting Former Mayor and His Daughter in Louisiana
An 11-year-old boy has been arrested in Louisiana on charges of fatally shooting Joe Cornelius Sr., 82, a former mayor, and his daughter, Keisha Miles, 31. The victims were discovered with multiple gunshot wounds inside their home around 6:30 am local time on Sunday.
The boy, whose name has not been released, is described by police as a “relative or family member” of the victims. Authorities reported that the boy confessed to the crime after an adult brought him to the scene. He is currently held in custody on two counts of first-degree murder, with a bond set at $500,000.
Minden Police Chief Jared McIver expressed the city’s shock at the crime, noting, “The city is in shock, but there is also relief that the perpetrator is in custody.” Police were alerted by another family member and discovered two firearms, believed to be the weapons used in the shooting, hidden at the scene.
Initially, the child’s account did not match the evidence, but he later confessed. Investigators have yet to determine a motive for the shooting. McIver commented on the disturbing nature of the crime, particularly given the age of the suspect, and said the community was deeply affected, especially as Cornelius was a well-known and respected figure in Minden.
Cornelius, who served as mayor of Minden, was also a city councilman, sheriff’s deputy, and marshal. He was known for his commitment to the community and his work with local youth programs. Minden Mayor Nick Cox expressed condolences, urging the community to keep Cornelius’s family in their thoughts during this difficult time.
