An 11-year-old boy has been arrested for allegedly shooting and killing two people, including a former mayor, in Minden, Louisiana. The incident occurred on Sunday, September 1, 2024, and left the small northwestern Louisiana shellshocked.
According to Minden Police Chief Jared McIver, the boy is accused of fatally shooting Joe Cornelius Sr., 82, and his daughter Keisha Miles, 31. Both victims were found with multiple gunshot wounds inside a house on Austin Street around 6:30 a.m. when police responded to a report of two bodies.
Investigators have withheld the identity of the young suspect but confirmed he is related to the victims. Law enforcement officials stated that the child admitted to the crime after being brought to the crime scene by an adult for questioning.
Neighbors reported hearing an argument between Cornelius and the boy before the shooting. One neighbor told the media, “About eight gunshots. Pow, pow, pow and then pow, pow, pow.” Police have not officially confirmed the nature of the argument, but some neighbors suggested it may have been related to credit card charges for video games.
Cornelius was a prominent figure in Minden’s Black community, having served as a longtime city council member and briefly as interim mayor in 2013. He was also a former sheriff’s deputy and marshal, known for his involvement in youth programs and efforts to promote local Black history education.
Chief McIver stated that the investigation is still in its early stages. He noted that the child has shown no remorse so far. The police have not released information about how he obtained the firearm used in the shooting.
Minden’s Mayor, Nick Cox, praised Joe Cornelius Sr.’s long-standing dedication to the community. He noted that Cornelius consistently worked to improve the city throughout his years of public service. Cox also expressed personal gratitude for Cornelius’ friendship and acknowledged the numerous ways Cornelius had supported himself and other Minden residents over the years.
The event has sparked community worries regarding firearm accessibility and juvenile violence. One resident expressed deep concern about the ease with which a young child could obtain a weapon, highlighting the emotional impact of the situation on community members.
The case also underscores the complex issues surrounding juvenile offenders and the criminal justice system. In Louisiana, as in many states, there are special considerations for handling cases involving young offenders. The specific legal process for this case will likely depend on various factors, including the child’s age, the nature of the crime, and the discretion of prosecutors and judges.
The community of Minden, with a population of around 12,000, is located about 28 miles east of Shreveport in northwestern Louisiana.