A 10-year-old boy fatally shot the 82-year-old former mayor of a north-west Louisiana town, according to authorities.
The Minden police chief, Jared McIver, told local news outlets that the boy admitted to investigators that he shot and killed Joe Cornelius Sr, 82, and his daughter, Keisha Miles, 31. The bodies of both were found Sunday morning with multiple bullet wounds.
Officials did not immediately say how the boy, who was arrested, was related to Cornelius and Miles. Neighbors told KSLA-TV that they heard Cornelius and the boy arguing – possibly over credit card charges for video games – and later heard multiple gunshots. But authorities have said any potential motive in the case remained under investigation.
Cornelius long served as a member of the Minden city council. After the city’s mayor died, Cornelius was appointed to serve as interim mayor in 2013.
He was also a former sheriff’s deputy as well as marshal, and he was a prominent leader of the city’s Black community. Additionally, he was a former funeral home worker, ran youth programs and helped launch local Black history observations.
In a statement, the Minden mayor, Nick Cox, said: “Joe Cornelius’s years of service … 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 Associated Press contributed reporting
