A 10-year-old has allegedly confessed to fatally shooting a former city councilman and his daughter, according to officials in Louisiana.
Officers in Minden, about 30 miles east of Shreveport, received a call at 6:30 a.m. Sunday about two bodies inside of a house, Minden Police Chief Jared McIver told ABC News.
Responders found Joe Cornelius Sr., 82, and his daughter, Keisha Miles, 31, dead from multiple gunshot wounds, he said.
The 10-year-old suspect — who is related to the victims — “confessed to the crime of murdering both,” McIver said.
The 10-year-old, whose gender was not released, was at the house that morning and allegedly shot the victims between 6 and 6:30 a.m., the chief said.
A motive is not known, the chief said.
Former Minden city councilman and a former interim mayor Joe Cornelius Sr.
City of Minden/Facebook
Two guns that belonged in the house were found hidden on the property, the chief said, and the shell casings at the scene were of the same caliber of the two guns.
Police are efforting an expert who specializes with children to interview the suspect and help determine next steps, McIver said.
“We still got to put some puzzle pieces together,” the chief said. “The city can rest easy knowing that the suspect is off the street of a double homicide, but there’s also the shock factor that comes into play: How does a 10-year-old do this? There’s a sigh of relief, there’s a shock, there’s mourning, there’s just different emotions our city is running through right now. Only thing we can do right now is do this case the best we can.”
The 82-year-old victim, Joe Cornelius Sr., was a longtime councilman in Minden and at one point served as the appointed mayor, according to Minden Mayor Nick Cox.
“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,” Cox said 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. Let us come together as a community to honor Joe’s memory and support one another through this time of grief.”
In a shocking turn of events, a 10-year-old child has allegedly confessed to the fatal shooting of an 82-year-old man and his daughter. The incident, which took place in a quiet suburban neighborhood, has left the community in disbelief and raised questions about the impact of violence on young children.
According to reports, the 10-year-old boy was playing with a gun when it accidentally went off, striking the elderly man and his daughter who were visiting their family in the area. The victims were rushed to the hospital but tragically succumbed to their injuries.
The news of the alleged confession has sparked a debate about gun safety and the responsibility of adults in ensuring that firearms are kept out of reach of children. Many are questioning how a child as young as 10 was able to access a gun and why proper safety measures were not in place to prevent such a tragedy.
The incident has also raised concerns about the psychological impact of exposure to violence on young children. Studies have shown that children who witness or are involved in violent acts can suffer from long-term emotional and behavioral issues. It is crucial for parents and caregivers to be vigilant in monitoring their children’s exposure to violence and providing them with the necessary support and guidance to process traumatic events.
In light of this tragic incident, it is important for communities to come together to address the root causes of violence and work towards creating a safer environment for all residents, especially children. This includes advocating for stricter gun control measures, promoting mental health awareness, and providing resources for families in need of support.
As the investigation into this case continues, it serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of gun violence and the importance of taking proactive steps to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims as they navigate this difficult time.
