Whoever said, “Kids will be kids,” clearly wasn’t thinking of murder charges on the menu. Yet here we are, facing a headline so surreal you’d expect it in a Hollywood thriller. An 11-year-old boy is now in custody, accused of brutally cutting short the lives of former Minden Mayor Joe Cornelius Sr., 82, and his 31-year-old daughter, Keisha Miles. Start clenching those pearls; it’s about to get more shocking.

Minden Police Chief Jared McIver announced this bone-chilling development during a news conference, leaving the entire town in a mix of disbelief and mourning. McIver’s words echoed the communal sorrow: “I just want to start out by giving our condolences to the family. This is a very tough issue to be dealing with and the city mourns with you, as well. The city is also in shock.” He didn’t need to say more; the gravity of the situation was palpable.

So, what exactly went down? The early birds of Minden woke up to news that shook their core. A 911 call came in around 6:30 a.m. on a seemingly ordinary Sunday morning. What the caller reported was the epitome of every family’s worst nightmare—two bodies inside a home, lifeless and full of bullet holes, as grimly confirmed by McIver. The deceased were none other than Cornelius and his daughter, Miles. A gruesome discovery of two guns hidden on the property sealed the terrifying narrative, thanks to the exact match with empty shell casings found on the scene.

11-year-old Boy Confesses to the Murders: Police Chief

Hold onto your seats, because the narrative takes an even darker turn here. Detectives were quick on the scene and interviewed the 11-year-old boy who, against all expectations, was present when the massacre was discovered. His initial story was as solid as a puff of smoke; eventually, under scrutiny, he confessed to the grisly deed. Sorry, but no Oscar for “Best Actor in a Cover-Up” will be awarded here.

Now, if you’re scratching your head trying to figure out the “why,” you’re not alone. Even the police chief admitted, “A lot of questions have arisen about what is the why behind this. We do not know that yet. We are still piecing the puzzle pieces together right now.” While police have been tight-lipped about the specifics, one thing’s clear: the boy is a family member. Speculative minds will have to be patient; the truth could be more chilling than fiction.

Weapons Talk: It’s Not Just About the Guns

McIver skirted around specifics concerning the firearms used. Let’s face it, the focus isn’t merely on the instruments of destruction here. In his words, “When it comes to a crime like this, if a person wants to do harm to someone it doesn’t matter the weapon. They’re going to find something to use. In this case, firearms were used.” Couldn’t have said it better; evil creativity knows no bounds. For now, the young suspect remains in custody with a hefty $500,000 bond hanging over his tiny head. Talk about fast-forwarding through adolescence!

‘This is a Somber Day for Our Community’

In a town still grappling with profound loss, current Minden Mayor Nick Cox captured the communal sentiment poignantly, “This is a somber day for our community as we face this tragedy that has deeply affected us all, our hearts and prayers are with the Cornelius family and their friends during this unimaginable time.” Cornelius wasn’t just any figurehead; he was a pillar in the community, known for his service and dedication. His unexpected and violent end leaves a wound that won’t heal easily.

McIver added, “When you know somebody that’s been in the community that long, (and) that’s reached so many people, there’s a sorrow.” Words that resonate deeply, yet hardly scratch the surface of the communal grief.