Louisiana police are describing a 10-year-old boy as possessing the "mindset to commit a crime like this" after they say the child admitted to killing an 82-year-old former mayor and his 31-year-old daughter.
Joe Cornelius and his daughter Keisha Miles were found fatally shot inside a Minden residence on September 1, according to the Minden Press-Herald.
On September 1 at approximately 6:30 a.m., authorities were called to the scene in the 100 block of Austin Street, where they found both deceased from multiple gunshot wounds.
"We have the suspect in custody now," said Minden Police Chief Jared McIver, adding, "We have a confession from the suspect."
The 10-year-old was accompanied by his grandmother, who is his legal guardian, for questioning.
"But in these cases, when you're in, it's very delicate. When you're dealing with a child of this age, you know, in their stage, we're looking at... was there motive, what was the motive?" McIver told the news outlet.
During questioning, the chief revealed the child appeared to be "scared" and reportedly has the "mindset to commit a crime like this," though he did not elaborate on this statement.
Cornelius, who had served as interim mayor of Minden in 2013, was a former city councilman known for his work with local youth.
In a statement, Minden mayor Nick Cox described Cornelius as a good friend and a politician devoted to his community.
"Joe Cornelius's years of service to Minden were marked by his commitment and dedication to the betterment of our community," said Cox.
No information has been released on the nature of the boy's relationship with the victims.
