An Indian American teenager from Massachusetts has been charged with killing his mother and younger brother inside their suburban home, following an overnight manhunt that ended early Wednesday morning.
Arjun Aravind, 17, of Acton, was arrested after police found him inside his mother’s Honda Accord in nearby Wayland. He faces two counts of murder, along with charges including assault and battery on a household or family member, assault and battery, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and motor vehicle theft, according to officials.
The victims were identified as 45-year-old Sudha Venkatesan and her 14-year-old son, Siddarth Aravind.
According to Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Acton Police Chief Douglas Sturniolo, the killings took place Tuesday at the family’s home on Martha Lane in Acton, about 30 miles from Boston.
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The deaths came to light after a tutor arrived at the house shortly after 6:30 p.m. for a scheduled appointment but could not get inside. She contacted Aravind’s father, who was also unable to reach his wife and children before calling Acton police to request a welfare check.
Aravind’s father had last seen his wife that morning before leaving for work. Siddarth was last seen around noon.
When officers arrived at the home, they found both Venkatesan and Siddarth dead. Venkatesan was found in the basement, while her son was found on the first floor.
Both victims had what authorities described as obvious trauma. The exact cause of death has yet to be determined, while authorities have not disclosed whether a specific weapon was involved in the killings.
Police said Aravind and his mother’s Honda Accord were initially missing from the scene, prompting a search and an alert to other law enforcement agencies and the public.
The search ended early Wednesday when Wayland police responded to an unrelated alarm at a parking lot and found the vehicle with Aravind inside. He was taken into custody without incident.Investigators also said they found evidence that Aravind had recently displayed concerning behavior.
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According to a statement from the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office, Aravind had used the internet and ChatGPT to search for theoretical ideas and fantasies involving the killing of his family.
The statement said he had also asked the AI chatbot for help creating “Gothic novel-kind of stories,” including developing questions and characters.
Aravind attends Acton-Boxborough Regional High School, according to authorities.
He was expected to appear in Lowell Juvenile Court on Wednesday. However, because the Juvenile Court does not have jurisdiction over a murder charge, authorities said he will later be arraigned on the murder and related assault charges in Concord District Court.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish what happened inside the family home and what led to the deaths.