Louisiana Boy, 10, in Custody After Confessing to Double Homicide

A 10-year-old boy is in custody after allegedly confessing to the fatal shooting of two people early Sunday morning in Minden, Louisiana. According to the Longviews News Journal, police responded to a shots-fired call at approximately 6:30 a.m. on Austin Street, where they discovered the bodies of Joe Cornelius, 82, and his daughter, Keisha Miles, 31, both with multiple gunshot wounds.

Minden Police Chief Jared McIver confirmed that the juvenile, whose identity has not been released, admitted to pulling the trigger. The relationship between the young suspect and the victims has not been disclosed.

Joe Cornelius was a respected figure in Minden, known for his service as a former city councilman and as an appointed mayor following the death of Mayor Bill Robertson in 2013. Cornelius also retired in December 2022 as a deputy marshal with the Minden Ward Marshal's Office. He dedicated over two decades of his life to working with area youth through the organization Concerned Citizens of Minden, and was affectionately known as the “ice cream man” for his community engagement.

The current Mayor of Minden, Nick Cox, expressed his sorrow over the loss of Cornelius and his daughter. "It is with deep sadness that we mourn the loss of Joe Cornelius Sr., a former long-time Minden City councilman and former appointed mayor of Minden. Joe Cornelius’s years of service to Minden were marked by his commitment and dedication to the betterment of our community," 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."

Chief McIver described the 10-year-old suspect as appearing scared, despite showing a "mindset to commit a crime like this." The boy's grandmother, who is his legal guardian, has been present during his questioning, as required by law.

The police chief acknowledged the complexity of the case, particularly given the suspect’s age. “We've got a confession, but it’s very delicate. When you're dealing with a child of this age, you're looking at a lot of questions: Was there a motive? What sparked this? We know where the firearm came from, but there are still many unanswered questions,” McIver said.

As the investigation continues, the community of Minden is shocked at the loss of Joe Cornelius and Keisha Miles, and the troubling circumstances involving the young suspect. The police are expected to provide further updates as more information becomes available.