A tragic incident unfolded in Minden, Louisiana, when a 10-year-old boy confessed to fatally shooting a former mayor, Joe Cornelius, 82, and his daughter, Keisha Miles, 31.
The shocking event is believed to have been triggered by an argument over credit card charges related to video games.
The boy, whose identity remains undisclosed, reportedly fired multiple shots at Cornelius and Miles in their home on Austin Street early Sunday morning.
Responding to reports of gunfire, police arrived at the scene to find the victims with multiple gunshot wounds.
The young suspect, accompanied by his grandmother—his legal guardian—during questioning, later confessed to the killings.
The relationship between the child and the victims has not been officially confirmed, and the exact motive remains under investigation.
However, neighbors reported hearing an argument between Cornelius and the boy over video game-related credit card charges shortly before the shooting occurred. According to a witness, the boy, described as autistic, may have used a firearm belonging to Cornelius, a former sheriff, during the incident.
Joe Cornelius had a long history of community involvement, having served briefly as Minden’s mayor in 2013 following the death of then-Mayor Bill Robertson. Though he failed to win a subsequent mayoral election, Cornelius remained an active community leader, known for his work with local youth programs and the Minden Black History Committee.
Cornelius was fondly remembered as the “ice cream man,” known for selling discounted ice cream to children from less fortunate families. He retired in December 2022 from his role as a deputy marshal with the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office.
The tragedy has left the community in mourning, with current Mayor Nick Cox paying tribute to Cornelius for his dedication to the city of Minden. Meanwhile, Keisha Miles’ 17-year-old son, Uriah, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses and support his two younger siblings following the loss of their mother and grandfather.
