By Pat Culverhouse

Arraignment has been set for Wednesday at 2 p.m. in Minden City Court for the young family member charged in the Sunday, August 31 shooting deaths of former mayor and councilman Joe Cornelius and his daughter, Keisha Miles.

Minden/Ward 1 City Court Judge Sherb Sentell will preside. Judge Sentell adjudicates felony and misdemeanor juvenile offenses. The court session reportedly will be closed to the public.

During a Tuesday news conference, Minden Chief of Police Jared McIver said the youth, who is represented by legal counsel, has officially been charged with two counts of first degree murder. Bond has been set at a total of $500,000 for the double homicide.

McIver also reported the age of the suspect as 11 years old, not 10 as had previously been released.

McIver said the city of Minden is still in shock over the murders, but is also relieved because the suspect is in custody. He praised the work of Minden PD detectives for quickly putting the alleged shooter behind bars.

“Investigators responded to the call around 6:30 a.m. and by 12 o’clock we had a confession. Investigators interviewed the juvenile who was at the scene and he gave a story that at first just didn’t add up. They continued, and got a confession. This was great teamwork, investigators did an outstanding job,” McIver said.

During a search of the residence and surroundings, officers were able to locate two weapons hidden on the property, the chief said. Those weapons reportedly matched shell casings found at the scene around the two victims. Evidence gathered so far seems to indicate only one shooter, but McIver said many steps remain in the investigation to verify that conclusion.

“It’s a delicate situation. We’re awaiting autopsies to make sure no other weapon was involved, but we believe at this time there were two weapons,” he said. “We’re trying to fill in all the gaps, the puzzle pieces, day by day, piece by piece. At this point we lean toward we only have one shooter. That’s not a conclusion. We see nothing to indicate another shooter but if another piece of the puzzle comes together that points otherwise we’ll let you know.”

Investigators are also still trying to determine what caused the 11-year-old to open fire on Cornelius and Miles.

“Lots of questions have arisen about the ‘why,’ We’re still piecing the pieces of the puzzle together, looking for the answers as to the why. There is a lot of evidence, but who knows why someone would do something this malicious, at this age,” the Chief said.

McIver said rumors have been spreading regarding the motive behind the murders, but pointed out that none of the talk had generated from inside the police department. Evidence, he said, is still being gathered and a motive will be released when it’s uncovered.

In response to a question, McIver said he does not know if the juvenile will be charged as an adult for the crimes.

“At this point, the prosecuting attorney’s office is looking into every avenue as to trying him as an adult,”

he said.

During opening remarks at the conference, Minden Mayor Nick Cox called Cornelius “…more than just a public servant, he was a committed community leader who dedicated many years of service of the city of Minden. Joe’s efforts to improve Minden will provide an impact that will be remembered for many years to come.”

A funeral service for Cornelius is tentatively set for 1 p.m. Saturday, September 14 at First Baptist Church of Minden.