According to Louisiana officials, an 11-year-old has confessed to shooting and killing a former city council member as well as the girl of that member.
Minden Police Chief Jared McIver confirmed Tuesday that officers received a call in Minden about two bodies discovered inside a house at 6:30 am Sunday.
He stated that the responders discovered Joe Cornelius Sr., and Keisha Miles dead from multiple gunshot wounds.
McIver said at a Tuesday press conference that the 11-year-old, who was a relative of the victims, initially told a “story that just didn’t seem to make sense.” Later, the juvenile admitted the shootings.
McIver said that the motive for his actions was unknown.
At a press conference, the chief announced that “initial reports said he was 10 years old. However, it has now been confirmed he’s 11 years old.”
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According to the chief, the child was inside the house when the alleged shooting occurred between 6 and 6:30 am on Sunday.
Two guns that belonged to the house were found hidden in the yard. The shell casings that were found on the property were of the same caliber.
McIver said that the 11-year-old is currently in jail and has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
“We still need to put together some puzzle pieces,” said the chief. The city can rest easy knowing that the suspect in the double murder has been arrested, but there is still a shock factor.
“There’s a sigh. There’s a shock. And there’s mourning.” He said that the city is experiencing a variety of emotions.
According to Minden Mayor Nick Cox, the 82-year-old victim Joe Cornelius Sr. served as a councilman for many years and was appointed mayor at one point.
Joe Cornelius was a dedicated and committed community member who worked hard to improve the lives of others.
Cox said at the news conference on Tuesday that “Joe’s efforts to improve Minden’s will be remembered many years from now.”