In a shocking turn of events, an 11-year-old boy has been taken into custody after allegedly shooting and killing Joe Cornelius Sr., an 82-year-old former mayor of a town in northwest Louisiana, along with his daughter, Keisha Miles, 31. The tragic incident occurred on Sunday morning, leaving the tight-knit community of Minden devastated.

According to Minden Police Chief Jared McIver, the young boy confessed to the police his involvement in the shooting. The motive behind the crime and the nature of the relationship between the suspect and the victims have not yet been disclosed by the authorities.

Neighbors, who were startled by the sound of gunshots, reported hearing a heated argument between Cornelius and the boy before the tragic incident. "About eight gunshots. Pow, pow, pow and then pow, pow, pow," recalled one resident, unable to comprehend the tragic turn of events.

Joe Cornelius Sr. was a well-known figure in the community, having served as a longtime member of the Minden city council and led the town as interim mayor in 2013 following the passing of the previous mayor. With a past as a sheriff's deputy and marshal, he had been a pillar of the town's Black community, dedicating his efforts to youth programs and promoting local Black history observations. The news of his untimely demise deeply saddened the residents of Minden.

Minden Mayor Nick Cox expressed his grief and gratitude for Cornelius' contributions to the community in a heartfelt statement on social media. "Joe Cornelius' years of service to Minden were marked by his commitment and dedication to the betterment of our community," he wrote. "On a personal note, I am grateful for his friendship and the many ways he supported me and others in our city."

The tragic incident has left the tight-knit community of Minden shaken, as they try to come to terms with how such a young child had access to a firearm. "It makes my heart bleed," shared one resident, expressing their sorrow and concern. "It makes me sad how a little 11-year-old kid can get a gun."

As the investigation progresses, local authorities and officials are working to piece together the events that led to this devastating loss. The community mourns the passing of Joe Cornelius Sr. and Keisha Miles, remembering them for their contributions and the impact they had on the town of Minden.

Editor's Note: Initial information provided by the police stated the age of the suspect as 10 years old. However, subsequent updates have clarified that the suspect is an 11-year-old boy.