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Joe Cornelius, Sr. (view source)
Revision as of 03:23, September 16, 2024
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'''Joseph Burgess Cornelius, Sr.''', known as '''Joe Cornelius, Sr.''' (September 9, 1942 – September 1, 2024), was an [[African-American]] [[business]]man and [[community organizer]] in [[Minden, Louisiana|Minden]], [[Louisiana]], and a former interim [[mayor]] of his city, located in Webster Parish in the northwestern portion of the state. He was the second black person in nearly a quarter century to succeed directly from the Minden City Council to the mayor's position after an unexpected vacancy developed.
'''Joseph Burgess Cornelius, Sr.''', known as '''Joe Cornelius, Sr.''' (September 9, 1942 – September 1, 2024), was an [[African-American]] [[business]]man and [[community organizer]] in [[Minden, Louisiana|Minden]], [[Louisiana]], and a former interim [[mayor]] of his city, located in Webster Parish in the northwestern portion of the state. He was the second black person in nearly a quarter century to succeed directly from the Minden City Council to the mayor's position after an unexpected vacancy developed.
On the morning of September 1, 2024, Minden police discovered the bodies of former Mayor Cornelius and his daughter, Keisha Miles, in a house on Austin Street. A juvenile has confessed to the gunshot murders. In eight days, Cornelius would have observed his 83rd birthday.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://press-herald.com/former-minden-mayor-daughter-shot-and-killed-juvenile-suspect-in-custody/|title=Former Minden mayor, daughter shot and killed; juvenile suspect in custody|publisher=''[[Minden Press-Herald]]''|date=September 1, 2024|accessdate=September 3, 2024}}</ref>
On the morning of September 1, 2024, Minden police discovered the bodies of former Mayor Cornelius and his daughter, Keisha Miles, in a house on Austin Street. An 11-year-old related to Cornelius confessed to the gunshot murders. In eight more days, Cornelius would have observed his 83rd birthday.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://press-herald.com/former-minden-mayor-daughter-shot-and-killed-juvenile-suspect-in-custody/|title=Former Minden mayor, daughter shot and killed; juvenile suspect in custody|publisher=''[[Minden Press-Herald]]''|date=September 1, 2024|accessdate=September 3, 2024}}</ref>
==Background==
==Background==
Cornelius's funeral was held on September 13, 2024, at the First Baptist Church in Minden. He was interred at the Sheppard Street Cemetery in Minden.
Cornelius's funeral was held on September 13, 2024, at the First Baptist Church in Minden. He was interred at the Sheppard Street Cemetery in Minden.
Current Minden Mayor Nick Cox said in tribute: "Joe Cornelius's years of service to Minden were marked by his commitment and dedication to the betterment of our community. On a personal note, I am grateful for his friendship and the many ways he supported me and others in our city," Cox said in a statement. "During this incredibly difficult time, I ask that we all keep Joe's family in our thoughts and prayers. May they find comfort and strength in the midst of this tragedy. Let us come together as a community to honor Joe's memory and support one another through this time of grief."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abc7ny.com/boy-11-confesses-to-fatally-shooting-82-year-old-man-and-daughter/15263318/|title=11-year-old allegedly confesses to fatally shooting 82-year-old man and his daughter
The 11-year-old is related to the victims. A motive isn't clear, police said.|publisher=abc7ny.com|author=Emily Shapiro|date=September 3, 2024|accessdate=September 15, 2024}}</ref>
==References==
==References==