Arjun Aravind, a 17-year-old of Indian origin, has been charged with murdering his mother Sudha Venkatesan and younger brother Siddharth in their Acton, Massachusetts home. Authorities said he had been using ChatGPT to search for ‘theoretical ideas or fantasies’ about killing his family.A 3D-printed miniature model of Sam Altman and ChatGPT logo are seen in this illustration taken July 20, 2026. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration(REUTERS)A 17-year-old boy of Indian origin has been charged with murdering his mother and younger brother at their suburban Massachusetts home, with authorities saying he had been using ChatGPT to search for "theoretical ideas or fantasies" about killing his family.Who has been charged, and with whatArjun Aravind, a resident of Acton, has been charged with two counts of murder, two counts of assault and battery on a household or family member, two counts of assault and battery, use of a vehicle without authority, and theft of a motor vehicle, in connection with the deaths of his brother Siddharth Aravind, 14, and mother Sudha Venkatesan, 45, ABC News reported.It is alleged that Arjun fatally assaulted his mother and brother inside their home on Tuesday before fleeing the scene. Both victims were found with "obvious trauma," but the Chief Medical Examiner has yet to release information on the exact cause and manner of death. The type of weapon used in the killings also remains under investigation.Where and whenMiddlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Acton Police Chief Douglas Sturniolo said the deaths occurred on Tuesday inside the family's home on Martha Lane in Acton, about 48 km from Boston.How the alarm was raisedAuthorities said that shortly after 6.37 pm on August 11, Acton Police received a call from Arjun's father, who had been unable to reach his family members. A tutor who was expected at the home had also been unable to make contact with anyone inside.Arjun's father had last had contact with his wife Sudha early that morning, before he left for work. His younger son Siddharth was last seen around noon.Mother found in the basement, brother on the first floorAfter arriving at the home, police found the two victims dead inside. Siddharth was found on the first floor, and Sudha in the finished basement, authorities said.A night-long search ends in a parking lotArjun was not in the home and had allegedly fled in his mother's car, police said. Investigators tried to locate him but were initially unsuccessful, and alerted law enforcement agencies and the public to watch for him.Early Wednesday morning, police in Wayland, Massachusetts, responding to an unrelated alarm at a parking lot, found the vehicle with Arjun inside. He was taken into custody without incident."Concerning behaviour," including ChatGPT searches"The subsequent investigation indicates that Arjun had recently been demonstrating concerning behaviour, including using the internet and ChatGPT to make searches for theoretical ideas or fantasies regarding killing his family," a statement by the Middlesex County District Attorney's Office said.What happens nextArjun was expected to be arraigned in Lowell Juvenile Court on Wednesday. Since the Juvenile Court does not have jurisdiction over a murder charge, he will be arraigned on that charge and the related assault charges in Concord District Court at a later date, news agency PTI reported.About the AuthorAnjali ThakurAnjali Thakur is a Senior Assistant Editor with Mint, reporting on trending news, entertainment and health, with a focus on stories driving digital conversations. Her work involves spotting early signals across news cycles and social media, sharpening stories for SEO and Google Discover, and mentoring young editors in digital-first newsroom practices. She is known for turning fast-moving developments—whether news-driven or culture-led—into clear, tightly edited journalism without compromising editorial rigour. Before joining Mint, she was Deputy News Editor at NDTV
Twelve people were rescued from the water before police arrived at the scene, according to the Coast Guard. Police divers later found the 27-year-old woman and her infant daughter in the water.The Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor is seen through a cover of wildfire smoke in Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S., July 16, 2026. REUTERS/Mike Segar(REUTERS)A boat operator has been charged after a speedboat capsized in New York Harbor, killing a mother and her 5-month-old daughter, while authorities investigate whether the vessel was being operated as an illegal charter.The 22-foot Bayliner overturned at about 10:25 p.m. on Saturday (August 8) near Liberty Island, where the Statue of Liberty is located, the US Coast Guard said on Sunday.Mother, infant found in waterTwelve people were rescued from the water before police arrived at the scene, according to the Coast Guard. Police divers later found the 27-year-old woman and her infant daughter in the water.Both victims were taken to a hospital, where they were pronounced dead. The remaining passengers were reported to be in stable condition.Authorities have not released the identities of the mother and child, pending notification of their family members.Boat operator faces chargesPolice identified the operator as 46-year-old Manuel Hernandez of New York. He has been charged with 13 counts of reckless endangerment, authorities said.A phone number for Hernandez could not be located Sunday, and the case had not yet appeared in online court records.Authorities have not announced additional details about what caused the vessel to overturn.Coast Guard investigates possible illegal charterThe Coast Guard is working with police to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash, including whether the boat was being used as an illegal charter operation.According to the Coast Guard, an illegal charter involves carrying passengers for hire without the required Coast Guard credentials, safety equipment and inspection certificates.Captain Doreen McCarthy, commander of Coast Guard Sector New York, said investigators were committed to determining what happened and holding those responsible accountable.“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life last night, and our thoughts are with the victims’ family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” McCarthy said.She also praised the emergency response, saying authorities were “extremely grateful for the heroic, swift actions” of partner agencies and a Good Samaritan vessel that helped rescue survivors.(With AP inputs)Stay updated with the latest Trending, India, World and US news. HomeNewsUs NewsNew York Harbor boat capsizes near Statue of Liberty, killing mother and child; operator chargedMore
Discussion (0)