Indian-Origin Teen Accused Of Killing Mother, Brother In US

A 17-year-old Indian-origin boy has been charged with killing his mother and younger brother at their home in Acton, Massachusetts, after investigators uncovered disturbing online searches about killing his family.

The teenager, Arjun, faces two murder charges, along with counts of assault and battery involving family members, assault and battery, unauthorised use of a vehicle and motor vehicle theft.

His mother, Sudha Venkatesan, 45, and 14-year-old brother Siddharth Aravind were found dead inside their Martha Lane home on August 11.

Father raised alarm after family stopped responding

Police were called shortly after 6.37 pm when the teenager’s father became concerned after failing to reach his family. A tutor who was due to visit the house had also been unable to contact anyone.

The father had spoken to Sudha earlier that morning before leaving for work. Siddharth was last seen at around noon, authorities said.

When officers arrived, they found the two victims dead. Siddharth was located on the first floor, while Sudha was found in the finished basement.

Both had suffered what police described as obvious trauma. The exact cause and manner of death will be determined by the medical examiner. Investigators have also not disclosed what weapon, if any, was used.

Teen fled in mother’s car

Arjun was not at the property when police arrived. Investigators believed he had left in his mother’s vehicle and launched a search for him.

He was found early on August 12 inside the vehicle in a parking lot in Wayland, Massachusetts, after local police responded to an unrelated alarm. He was arrested without incident.

The Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office said the investigation had uncovered signs of concerning behaviour by the teenager before the killings.

According to the office, investigators found that Arjun had used the internet and ChatGPT to search for theoretical ideas or fantasies involving the killing of his family.

Murder case to move to adult court

Arjun was initially expected to appear in Lowell Juvenile Court. However, that court does not have jurisdiction over murder charges.

He will therefore face arraignment on the murder and related assault charges in Concord District Court. The investigation into the killings remains ongoing.