A 10-year-old boy is suspected of shooting and killing a former Louisiana mayor and his adult daughter after an argument over a credit card charge for a video game, according to police and neighbors.
The juvenile was arrested on two counts of first-degree murder after former Minden Mayor Joe Cornelius Sr., 82, and his daughter, Keisha Miles, 31, who is the father of three, were found dead with multiple gunshot wounds in their home early Sunday morning, Minden Police Chief Jared McIver said.
The chief said the boy is a relative of Cornelius and Miles, but did not disclose their exact relationship.
The boy allegedly confessed to the fatal shooting without showing any remorse. KSLA reported.
Neighbors told the outlet they heard eight gunshots at about 6:30 a.m. on Sunday after a loud argument between Cornelius and a 10-year-old boy.
“I think that's what happened. He was arguing with his son and I heard yelling and stuff,” an unidentified neighbour told the outlet, adding that he thought the boy might be autistic.
“Joe got into an argument with him and the boy pulled out a gun,” the neighbor continued.
“Joe was a former sheriff and he worked for the sheriff's office so he had guns and the boy knew where the guns were. It's sad.”
Police have not confirmed the nature of the altercation or whether the boy has autism.
Cornelius served as a long-time Minden city council member and was appointed mayor in 2013 after the death of the previous mayor.
“He was very well respected in the community,” the neighbor said. “He worked for the sheriff's office. He was mayor for a little while. He worked at the funeral home and things like that. He was a good guy.”
Cornelius worked at a funeral home, ran youth programs, helped start a local Black History Society and was known as a community activist.
“Joe Cornelius' many years of service to Minden were marked by his dedication to improving our community,” Minden's current Mayor Nick Cox said in a statement. “I personally appreciate his friendship and the many ways he supported me and others across our city.”
Miles leaves behind three children, his 17-year-old son wrote on GoFundMe to raise money for funeral expenses.
Police say the juvenile is being held on two counts of first-degree murder.
With post wire
