NEW YORK, Aug 13: A 17-year-old Indian-origin teenager has been charged with the alleged murder of his mother and younger brother at their home in Acton, Massachusetts, authorities said.
Arjun Aravind, a resident of Acton, faces two counts of murder along with charges including assault and battery on household or family members, assault and battery, unauthorised use of a vehicle and theft of a motor vehicle.
The victims have been identified as Arjun’s mother, Sudha Venkatesan, 45, and his younger brother, Siddharth Aravind, 14.
According to investigators, Arjun allegedly fatally assaulted the two victims inside the family’s home on Tuesday before fleeing in his mother’s vehicle. Police found both victims with apparent signs of severe trauma. The exact cause and manner of death, as well as the weapon allegedly used, remain under investigation.
Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Acton Police Chief Douglas Sturniolo said police were called to the family’s Martha Lane residence after Arjun’s father was unable to contact his wife and children. A tutor who was expected to visit the home had also failed to reach anyone.
Authorities said Arjun’s father had last spoken to Sudha early Tuesday morning before leaving for work, while Siddharth was last seen around noon.
When police arrived at the residence shortly after 6:37 pm, they found both victims dead. Siddharth was found on the first floor, while Sudha was located in the finished basement.
Arjun was not at the residence and was believed to have left in his mother’s car. Police issued an alert and began searching for him.
Early Wednesday, officers in Wayland responding to an unrelated alarm at a parking lot located the vehicle with Arjun inside. He was taken into custody without incident.
The Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office said the investigation had uncovered allegations that Arjun had recently displayed concerning behaviour, including conducting internet and ChatGPT searches involving theoretical ideas or fantasies about killing family members.
Arjun was initially expected to appear in Lowell Juvenile Court. However, as the Juvenile Court does not have jurisdiction over murder charges, he is expected to face the murder and related assault charges in Concord District Court.
The investigation remains ongoing.
