10-year-old boy confessed to killing former Louisiana mayor and his daughter, police say

A 10-year-old boy has been arrested after he known to the shooting deaths of a former Louisiana mayor and his adult daughter, a police official said Monday.

Joe Cornelius Sr., 82, and Keisha Miles, 31, were found dead Sunday morning after officers were dispatched to the former officer’s home in Minden, a city of nearly 12,000 people east of Shreveport, the city’s police chief said.

Police Chief Jared McIver identified the boy as a relative of Cornelius but would not provide further details, saying authorities have not yet determined a possible motive.

“Our city is in shock,” McIver said. “How could a 10-year-old do something so evil?”

The boy is being held on two counts of first-degree murder, McIver said. He said it was unclear whether the child has an attorney who can speak on his behalf.

According to McIver, the bodies of Cornelius and Miles were found with multiple gunshot wounds. Two handguns were used and the magazines were empty.

A 6-year-old child who was in the home at the time of the shooting was not injured, McIver said.

The oldest boy initially gave a different story about the deaths, but on Sunday afternoon he had confessed to the shooting, McIver said.

According to McIver, his grandmother was with him when he made the confession.

Cornelius was a well-known community activist, city councilman and deputy sheriff for the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office, NBC station KTAL in Shreveport reported.

In 2013, while still on the city council, Cornelius was appointed interim mayor after the mayor died in office, the station reported.

Minden Mayor Nick Cox said in a statement Sunday that he is grateful for Cornelius’ friendship and “the many ways he has supported me and others in our city.”

“Joe Cornelius’ years of service to Minden were marked by his dedication and commitment to the betterment of our community,” said Cox, who added, “Let us come together as a community to honor Joe’s memory and support each other during this time of sorrow.”