A 10-year-old boy has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder following the alleged shooting of former Minden Mayor Joe Cornelius Sr., 82, and his daughter Keisha Miles, 31, after a dispute over credit card charges for video games.
The boy was taken into custody after Cornelius and Miles were found dead with multiple gunshot wounds inside their home early on Sunday, September 1, according to Police Chief Jared McIver.
The boy, who was related to Cornelius and Miles, reportedly confessed to the shooting without showing any remorse, as reported by KSLA.
A neighbor reported hearing eight gunshots around 6:30 a.m. on Sunday after a heated argument between Cornelius and the boy.
“I think that’s what happened. He was arguing with him; I heard them hollering and stuff,” the neighbor said, adding that the boy might have autism.
“Joe got to arguing with him. The boy just pulled a gun out,” the neighbor continued. “I mean, Joe used to be a sheriff, so he has guns because he worked for the sheriff’s department and the boy knew where it was. It’s a sad thing.”
Police have not yet confirmed the specifics of the argument or whether the boy has autism.
Cornelius was a long-time member of the Minden City Council and served as mayor briefly in 2013 after the previous mayor’s death. He was known for his community service, including work at a funeral home, involvement in youth programs, and efforts to promote local black history.
“He was highly respected in the community,” the neighbor said. “He was with the sheriff’s department. He was mayor for a little bit. He used to work at the funeral home and stuff like that. He was a good man.”
Minden’s current mayor, Nick Cox, praised Cornelius’s dedication to the community: “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.”
Miles, a mother of three, is remembered by her 17-year-old son, who has started a GoFundMe campaign to cover her funeral expenses.
