missing teen search

Another search underway for missing 15-year-old, last seen June 5

BATON ROUGE — Another search is underway for a 15-year-old boy last seen on June 5, 2026. This time, the United Cajun Navy, NaTasha Pickens and volunteers are searching the woods near waterways, specifically looking for tire marks.

The family of Ja’Derrius Minnieweather is desperate for any answers, even fearing the worst.

It comes after dozens of community members gathered at Istrouma High School Friday afternoon to search for missing teen Ja’Derrius Minnieweather.

Minnieweather is a 15-year-old who was reported missing by his family. Baton Rouge Police did not specify where he was last seen, but United Cajun Navy Incident Commander Josh Gill, who is working with officials, shared that he was last seen in the “Ghost Town” area of Baton Rouge. The clothes he was last seen wearing include black sweat pants, black and gray Jordan shirt, and red Nike slippers.

The United Cajun Navy led around 50-60 concerned people of the community on a search of the Ghost Town area of Baton Rouge Friday afternoon. After meeting at Istrouma, the group, accompanied by Baton Rouge Police motormen, received instructions from the United Cajun Navy and said a prayer. They then started out in their search for Minnieweather.

The group looked around the intersection of Winbourne and Scenic through open fields and property.

“It’s basically a group of concerned citizens and family who are coming together to help find anything they possibly can to bring this case to closure,” said Gill.

UWK was on the scene with the searchers, who started the group effort by locking arms to form a grid search going north. The grid search then transitioned into a group search, with participants going off as groups to search the grassy areas in their perimeter, using sticks and baseball bats to prod covered areas.

Some brought dogs to aid in the search, hoping for any indication that Merriweather might be nearby.

“I’m extremely hopeful that we find them alive. That’s what keeps me going to try and find this young man alive, or to try and find anybody alive,” Gill said.

He expressed gratitude for all the people who showed up to search in the sun and heat and the overall camaraderie of the community.

“So it’s been a great, great showing by the community and family again, and it goes to really show you that there’s community involvement, you know, whatever it is, whatever the outcome is, the community needs to stay involved,” Gill added.

Friday afternoon’s search covered area between ExxonMobil and I110, however, it was unsuccessful in finding any sign of the missing teen.

The United Cajun Navy and searchers turned to West Baton Rouge next, beginning to search around the levee and near the water.

On Sunday, June 14, the United Cajun Navy, NaTasha Pickens and volunteers continued searching in wooded areas, going live on social media.

Minnieweather’s mother spoke to UWK last week, expressing concern about her son’s whereabouts.

“I wouldn’t even be mad at him. I love him; he has me worried,” she said.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 225-344-7867. You can also use the United Cajun Navy’s tip line or call Josh Gill at (985) 507-2263.