A young boy, aged 11, has been taken into custody under suspicion of shooting and killing two individuals, one of which was a former mayor, in the town of Minden, Louisiana. The shocking event took place on Sunday, September 1, 2024, leaving the small community in the northwestern part of the state reeling.
The Minden Police Chief, Jared McIver, revealed that the juvenile is believed to have fatally shot his grandfather, Joe Cornelius Sr., 82, and his mother Keisha Miles, 31. The victims were discovered with multiple bullet wounds within a residence on Austin Street at approximately 6:30 a.m., following a call by a family member reporting two bodies.
While the identity of the young suspect is being kept confidential, investigators have confirmed that the boy is related to the victims.
After initial questioning at the scene, the boy reportedly confessed to the crime. “The juvenile gave us a story at first that just didn’t add up,” McIver said in a press conference. “Eventually, he confessed to the killings with a family member present.”
Investigators found two handguns hidden on the property, which matched the shell casings found near the bodies. McIver explained, “We’re still doing forensics to confirm the specifics, but we believe both weapons were used in the shootings.”
Residents nearby reported hearing an altercation between Cornelius and the boy prior to the shooting. “About eight gunshots. Pow, pow, pow and then pow, pow, pow,” one neighbor shared with the media. The police have yet to officially disclose the contents of the argument, but some residents suggested it may have been over credit card charges for video games.
Cornelius was a well-known figure in Minden’s African American community. He served as a city council member for a long time and even held the position of interim mayor in 2013. Additionally, he was a former sheriff’s deputy and marshal, recognized for his participation in youth programs and initiatives to promote local Black history education.
While the investigation is still in the initial stages, Chief McIver noted that the child displayed no regret. Details regarding how the boy acquired the firearm used in the shooting have not been disclosed by the police.
Minden’s Mayor, Nick Cox, commended Joe Cornelius Sr.’s unwavering commitment to the community. He mentioned that Cornelius tirelessly worked towards the betterment of the city during his tenure in public service. Cox also expressed personal thanks for Cornelius’ friendship and recognized the many ways Cornelius had lent support to himself and other residents of Minden over the years.
The incident has triggered local concerns about the accessibility of firearms and the issue of juvenile violence. One community member voiced serious worry about the ease with which a young child could access a weapon, underlining the emotional toll this incident has taken on the community.
This case highlights the intricate problems related to juvenile offenders and the criminal justice system. In Louisiana, as in many states, there are specific considerations when dealing with cases involving young offenders. The exact legal proceedings for this case will likely be influenced by various factors, such as the child’s age, the severity of the crime, and the discretion of the prosecutors and judges.
Minden, a community with a population of approximately 12,000, is situated nearly 28 miles east of Shreveport in northwestern Louisiana.
