Massachusetts teen charged with killing mother and brother after using ChatGPT to explore “fantasy stories” of family’s deaths

Massachusetts, USA, August 14, 2026 — A 17-year-old Massachusetts boy has been charged with killing his mother and younger brother after prosecutors said he used the internet and ChatGPT to explore fictional “fantasy stories” involving the deaths of his family members.

Arjun Aravind has been charged with two counts of murder in connection with the deaths of his mother, Sudha Venkatesan, 45, and his 14-year-old brother, Siddharth Aravind, at their home in Massachusetts, USA. He has pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail.

Authorities were called to the family home shortly before 6:40 p.m. on Tuesday after Aravind’s father became concerned when he could not reach his wife or son. A tutor who arrived for a scheduled session was also unable to enter the residence.

Police found Siddharth’s body on the first floor and Venkatesan’s body in the basement. Officials said both victims suffered trauma, but the medical examiner has not yet determined the official causes of death. Investigators are also examining whether a weapon was used.

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said investigators uncovered what she described as concerning online activity involving Aravind. According to prosecutors, he used the internet and ChatGPT to explore theoretical ideas and fictional or “fantasy” scenarios involving the killing of family members.

Ryan said the teenager used ChatGPT to develop gothic-style fictional stories, including creating characters and asking questions that investigators believe were linked to violent themes involving his family. Authorities have not alleged that ChatGPT caused or directed the killings, and the investigation into motive and circumstances remains ongoing.