11-year-old reportedly confesses to fatally shooting 82-year-old former mayor and his daughter

MINDEN, La. (TCN) -- An 11-year-old boy allegedly admitted to shooting and killing an 82-year-old relative who was prominent in local politics and the man’s 31-year-old daughter.

According to Minden Police Chief Jared McIver, on Sunday, Sept. 1, at approximately 6:30 a.m., Minden Police Department officers responded to a home on the 100 block of Austin Street after receiving a call about two deceased individuals. They entered the residence and found the victims, Joe Cornelius and Keisha Miles, deceased with "multiple gunshot wounds."

While at the scene, officers located two weapons hidden on the property. The caliber of the firearms reportedly matched the shell casings at the scene, and McIver said detectives "feel pretty good that these were the weapons that were used."

Detectives spoke with the 11-year-old juvenile, who allegedly "gave a story that didn’t add up." However, they continued to speak with the juvenile, and he reportedly confessed.

McIver described the suspect as a relative of the victims but did not elaborate due to the "strict rules and guidelines as not to point to the identity of the child."

McIver said investigators are still trying to figure out the motive. He said, "Who knows why someone would do something this malicious and at that age. We are putting everything together and will hopefully have more answers as to the why."

Cornelius served on the Minden City Council and was active on many different committees, according to KTAL-TV. He also took over as interim mayor in 2013 when the sitting mayor died. He was affectionately known in the community as "Mr. Joe" and "the ice cream man."

Minden Mayor Nick Cox said in a statement, "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' years of service to Minden were marked by his commitment and dedication to the betterment of our community. On a personal note, I am grateful for his friendship and the many ways he supported me and others in our city."

The suspect was arrested on two counts of first-degree murder. His bond was set at $500,000.

"Everybody knew Mr. Joe," McIver said. "That’s what hurts the most."