A 17-year-old Massachusetts boy has been charged with murder after his mother and younger brother were found dead inside their family home, authorities said.
Arjun Aravind, 17, is facing two counts of murder and two counts of assault and battery on a household or family member in connection with the deaths of his mother, Sudha Venkatesan, 45, and his brother, Siddharth Aravind, 14.
Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Acton Police Chief Douglas Sturniolo announced the charges Wednesday, Aug. 12.
Police were called to the family’s Acton home shortly before 6:40 p.m. Tuesday after Arjun’s father became worried when he could not reach his family.
Authorities said the father had last spoken with his wife around 7 a.m., when he left for work.
Siddharth was reportedly last seen leaving a local recreation center around noon.
Adding to the concern, a tutor had arrived at the house for a scheduled session but was unable to get in touch with anyone inside.
When officers entered the home, they made a horrifying discovery.
Siddharth was found dead on the first floor, while his mother’s body was discovered in the basement.
Investigators allege Arjun fatally attacked both family members before fleeing the house.
Authorities also revealed that the teen had recently displayed what they described as concerning online behavior.
District Attorney Ryan said investigators found evidence that Arjun had used the internet and ChatGPT to explore fictional or theoretical scenarios involving the deaths of family members.
Ryan said the activity included creating “fantasies, stories, gothic novel kind of stories,” as well as characters and scenarios that appeared to involve threats concerning whether his family would survive.
Authorities have not said that the online activity caused the alleged killings, but investigators are examining it as part of the case.
Police believe Arjun left the home in his mother’s 2014 green Honda Accord.
After officers were initially unable to locate him, authorities issued an alert. He was eventually found Wednesday morning on Andrew Avenue while police were responding to an unrelated alarm call.
The exact causes of death have not yet been released.
Authorities said both victims showed signs of trauma, but the Chief Medical Examiner will determine how they died. Investigators are also working to determine what weapon, if any, was used.
In addition to the murder charges, Arjun faces two counts of assault and battery, theft of a motor vehicle and use of a vehicle without authority.
He was expected to be arraigned on the murder and assault-related charges in Concord District Court on Thursday, Aug. 13. The remaining vehicle-related charges were being handled separately in juvenile court.
It was not immediately clear whether Arjun had an attorney who could comment on his behalf.
Ryan called the case an “unspeakable tragedy.”
“It is an incredibly dark day,” she said, adding that the deaths represented an “insurmountable tragedy” for the victims’ father and a devastating loss for the surrounding community and school system.
Too many of these migrants here with all their 3rd world problems. Get rid of them and stop letting new ones in.
The new face of Amerika!!!!
Thank a politician!!!
Social Media and stupid young people…
What Could Go Wrong!!!