Indian-American teen murders mother, brother in US; probe underway
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A 17-year-old Indian-American teenager has been charged with murdering his mother and younger brother at their home in Acton, a town about 40 km northwest of Boston, after investigators said he had used the Internet and ChatGPT to search for theoretical ideas or fantasies about killing his family.
Arjun Aravind faces two counts of murder in the deaths of his mother, Sudha Venkatesan, 45, and his brother, Siddharth Aravind, 14, the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office said.
He has also been charged with two counts each of assault and battery on a household or family member and assault and battery. The other charges include theft of a motor vehicle and using a vehicle without authority.
Police went to the family’s home on Martha Lane shortly after 6.37 p.m. on Tuesday after Arjun’s father called, having been unable to contact his family.
A tutor who was expected to arrive at the house had also been unable to reach anyone inside. The father had last spoken to his wife early that morning before leaving for work, while Siddharth was last seen around noon.
Officers found Siddharth on the first floor and Venkatesan in the finished basement. Both had suffered visible trauma.
Arjun was not at the house when police arrived. His mother’s green 2014 Honda Accord was also missing.
Police alerted other law enforcement agencies and asked the public to watch for the teenager and the vehicle, warning residents not to approach him.
Early Wednesday, police in Wayland responded to an unrelated alarm at a parking lot on Andrew Avenue. Officers found the missing Honda with Arjun inside and took him into custody without incident.
The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office said the subsequent investigation indicated that Arjun had recently displayed concerning behaviour, including using the Internet and ChatGPT to search for theoretical ideas or fantasies involving the killing of his family.
Prosecutors allege that Arjun fatally assaulted his mother and brother inside their home before fleeing in his mother’s car.
Authorities have not disclosed what weapon or weapons may have been used, saying that part of the investigation remains active. The precise cause and manner of the two deaths are also pending a determination by the chief medical examiner.
Arjun was arraigned in Lowell Juvenile Court on Wednesday on the motor vehicle-related charges. Prosecutors said the murder and related assault charges would likely be brought in Concord District Court because the Juvenile Court does not have jurisdiction over murder cases.
The investigation is being conducted by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Acton Police and the Massachusetts State Police detective unit assigned to the prosecutor’s office. Police departments from eight nearby communities also assisted.
Acton is a suburban community in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, and is part of the Greater Boston region. The town is served by the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District.
Under Massachusetts law, a person aged 14 or older who is charged with murder can be prosecuted as an adult. Other charges involving a juvenile may remain within the state’s juvenile court system.