The boy was arrested on two counts of first-degree murder after former Minden Mayor Joe Cornelius Sr., 82, and his daughter Keisha Miles, a 31-year-old mom of three, were found dead with multiple gunshot wounds inside his home early Sunday, the town’s Police Chief Jared McIver said.
The boy was a relative of Cornelius and Miles, the chief said, without specifying the exact relationship.
The youngster allegedly confessed to the fatal shooting while showing no remorse, KSLA reported.
A neighbor told the outlet he heard eight gunshots ring out around 6:30 a.m. Sunday after Cornelius and the 10-year-old had gotten into a loud argument.
“I think that’s what happened. He was arguing with him; I heard them hollering and stuff,” the unidentified neighbor told the outlet, adding that he thought the boy may have autism.
“Joe got to arguing with him. The boy just pulled a gun out,” the neighbor continued.
“I mean, Joe used to be a sheriff, so he has guns because he worked for the sheriff’s department and the boy knew where it was. It’s a sad thing.”
Police have not confirmed the nature of the argument or if the boy has autism.
Cornelius was a longtime member of the Minden city council and was appointed mayor in 2013 after the previous mayor died.
“He was highly respected in the community,” the neighbor said. “He was with the sheriff’s department. He was mayor for a little bit. He used to work at the funeral home and stuff like that. He was a good man.”
Cornelius also worked at a funeral home, ran youth programs, helped launch local black history observations and was known for his community activism.
“Joe Cornelius’ years of service to Minden were marked by his commitment and dedication to the betterment of our community,” current Minden Mayor Nick Cox said in a statement. “On a personal note, I am grateful for his friendship and the many ways he supported me and others in our city.”
Miles left behind three children, her 17-year-old son wrote in a GoFundMe to raise money for her funeral.
“Joe Cornelius’ years of service to Minden were marked by his commitment and dedication to the betterment of our community,” current Minden Mayor Nick Cox said in a statement. “On a personal note, I am grateful for his friendship and the many ways he supported me and others in our city.”
The boy is being held on two counts of first-degree murder, police said.
With Post wires
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