A 10-year-old boy shot and killed the 82-year-old former mayor of a northwest Louisiana town, police say.
Minden Police Chief Jared McIver told local media that the boy told police he shot and killed Joe Cornelius Sr., 82, and his daughter, Keisha Miles, 31. Both were found Sunday morning with multiple gunshot wounds.
Authorities have not said what the connection is between the boy, who is in custody, and the victims. Neighbors told KSLA-TV they heard Cornelius and the boy arguing and later heard several gunshots.
“About eight shots. Pow, pow, pow, then pow, pow, pow,” a neighbor told the station.
Cornelius was a longtime member of Minden City Council and was appointed mayor for a time in 2013 after the previous mayor died.
City of Minden
He was also a former deputy sheriff and marshal. A pillar of the city’s black community, Cornelius was a former funeral home worker who had led youth programs and helped launch local observances of black history.
“Joe Cornelius’ years of service to Minden were marked by his commitment and dedication to the betterment of our community,” Minden Mayor Nick Cox said in a statement on social media. “On a personal note, I am grateful for his friendship and the many ways he supported me and others in our city.”
The shooting has shaken the residents of Minden.
“It hurts my heart,” one resident told KSLA-TV. “It makes me sad that a 10-year-old can get a gun.”
