Indian-Origin Teen Charged With Murder Of Mother, Brother In US (Img: X)
New Delhi: A 17-year-old Indian-origin teenager has been charged with allegedly killing his mother and younger brother inside their family home in Acton, Massachusetts.
The accused, identified as Arjun Aravind, a student at Acton-Boxborough Regional High School, faces two murder charges over the deaths of his mother Sudha Venkatesan, 45, and his 14-year-old brother Siddharth Aravind. Authorities said the teenager was arrested early Wednesday after an overnight search.
The incident came to light on Tuesday evening when a tutor arrived at the family’s Martha Lane residence for a scheduled appointment but could not enter or contact anyone inside.
The tutor then contacted Arjun’s father, who also failed to reach his wife and children. He later requested Acton police to conduct a welfare check. When officers entered the home, they found both victims dead.
Police said Siddharth was found on the first floor, while his mother’s body was discovered in the finished basement. Investigators said both victims had suffered “obvious trauma”, though the exact cause and manner of death are yet to be determined.
Police said Arjun was not present at the residence when officers arrived. Authorities launched a search after learning that he had allegedly left the home in his mother’s Honda Accord.
The search ended early Wednesday when police in Wayland responded to an unrelated alarm at a parking lot and found the vehicle with Arjun inside. He was taken into custody without resistance.
Investigators have also raised concerns over Arjun’s online activity before the killings.
According to the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office, the teenager had used the internet and ChatGPT to search for theoretical ideas or fantasies related to killing his family.
Authorities said he had also used ChatGPT while developing ideas for Gothic-style fictional stories, including creating characters and exploring fictional scenarios.
However, officials clarified that the searches alone have not established a motive for the alleged killings, and the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths is still ongoing.
Apart from two murder charges, Arjun Aravind also faces two counts each of assault and battery involving a household or family member and assault and battery.
He has additionally been charged with unauthorised use and theft of a motor vehicle. The teenager was expected to appear before Lowell Juvenile Court. However, since juvenile court does not handle murder cases, the matter will later move to Concord District Court.
