08/12/2026
***UPDATE*** 8/12/26 @ 2:06 PM
https://www.middlesexda.com/press-releases/news/17-year-old-charged-murder-connection-death-family-members-acton
ACTON - Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Acton Police Chief Douglas Sturniolo have confirmed that Arjun Aravind, 17 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 his mother, Sudha Venkatesan, 45, that occurred yesterday inside their Martha Lane home in Acton.
Yesterday, August 11, 2026, shortly after 6:37 p.m., Acton Police received a call from Arjun’s father who had been unable to reach his family members and reported that a tutor who was expected at the home was unable to make contact with residents upon arrival. He had last had contact with his wife, Sudha, was early that morning before he left for work. His son, Siddharth, was last seen around noon.
Upon arrival at the home, police located the two victims dead inside. Siddharth was located on the first floor and Sudha was located in the finished basement.
Police determined that Arjun was not in the home and that he had allegedly fled using his mother’s vehicle, a 2014 Green Honda Accord.
Investigators attempted to located Arjun but were not immediately successful and notified law enforcement and members of the public to be on the lookout. Early this morning, police in Wayland, responding to an unrelated alarm call in a parking lot on Andrew Avenue, located the suspect vehicle with Arjun inside. Arjun was taken into custody by police without incident.
The subsequent investigation indicates that Arjun had recently been demonstrating concerning behavior including using the internet and Chat GPT to make searches including for theoretical ideas or fantasies regarding killing his family.
It is alleged that Arjun fatally assaulted his mother and brother inside their home yesterday before fleeing the scene.
While both victims were suffering from obvious trauma, the exact cause and manner is still pending from the Chief Medical Examiner.
What weapon or weapons were used is still actively under investigation.
Arjun Aravind will be arraigned in Lowell Juvenile Court this morning. As Juvenile Court does not have jurisdiction over the charge of murder, Arjun Aravind will be arraigned on that charge and the related assault charges in Concord District Court likely tomorrow.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation being conducted by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Acton Police and the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the District Attorney’s Office. Police from Harvard, Littleton, Lincoln, Maynard, Sudbury, Wayland, Westford and Weston also assisted with the investigation.
***UPDATE - 8/12/26 @ 9:30AM Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Acton Chief of Police Douglas Sturniolo have confirmed that Arjun Aravind has been located and there is no risk to public safety. There will be a media availability today at 1:00 p.m. at the Acton Police Station where the Middlesex District Attorney and Chief of Police will provide an additional update.
https://www.middlesexda.com/press-releases/news/media-update-arjun-aravind-located
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The Acton Police Department in conjunction with the Middlesex District Attorney's Office and The Massachusetts State Police are actively investigating two deaths on Martha Lane in the Town of Acton.
Law enforcement is actively looking for Arjun Aravind who is believed to be operating a 2014 Green Honda Accord with Massachusetts license plate 34PD94.
Residents in the area should expect to see an increased police presence and extra patrols in the area of Martha Lane, Main Street and NARA Park.
Any member of the public who sees either Arjun or the vehicle is asked not to approach and to instead immediately call 911. Click the below link for the full press release.
https://www.middlesexda.com/press-releases/news/investigators-seeking-unaccounted-individual-following-death-investigation
