Missing Baton Rouge Teen Ja’Derrius Minnieweather Believed B3aten to D3ath as Police Arrest Suspect

Missing Baton Rouge Teen Ja’Derrius Minnieweather Believed B3aten to D3ath as Police Arrest Suspect

Search for 15-Year-Old Ends in Tragic Turn

After more than two weeks of desperate searches and emotional pleas from family members, Baton Rouge police announced on Saturday that missing 15-year-old Ja’Derrius Minnieweather is believed to have been k!lled.

Authorities said 51-year-old Maurice Parms was arrested on June 20 and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on a charge of first-degree m-rder.

Although investigators believe Ja’Derrius is d3ceased, his body has not yet been found.

Investigators Believe the Teen Was Fatally Attacked

According to Baton Rouge Police, evidence suggests the teenager was beaten to d3ath before his body was disposed of.

Investigators say Ja’Derrius had gone to visit a longtime 16-year-old friend before he vanished on June 5. Detectives allege a heated confrontation later erupted between Minnieweather and Parms over the older man’s behavior toward the teen friend.

Witnesses reportedly described seeing a tall man assaulting a smaller individual for several minutes, while a softer voice was heard pleading for the attacker to stop and leave them alone.

Large suspected bl00dstains were later discovered in the area where the altercation allegedly took place.

Surveillance Footage and Forensic Evidence Led Detectives to the Suspect

Court documents state that surveillance footage allegedly captured a person matching Parms’ body type riding a child’s bicycle and discarding items including a mask, gloves and a T-shirt before later returning to retrieve them.

Investigators also said video showed the suspect wiping areas inside his truck with a rag.

According to the warrant, suspected bl00d found at the scene tested positive, and additional traces were discovered inside the vehicle.

Detectives believe the suspect initially concealed the body, disposed of evidence, returned to recover it and later transported both elsewhere.

Earlier Charges Stemmed From Separate Investigation

Parms had previously been arrested on June 10 on charges including indecent behavior with juveniles and computer-aided solicitation of a minor.

According to investigators, those allegations surfaced during the investigation into Ja’Derrius’ disappearance.

Detectives said evidence pointed to an inappropriate relationship between Parms and the 16-year-old described as a longtime friend of Ja’Derrius.

Police have not released additional information about the ongoing investigation.

Community Search Efforts Captivated Baton Rouge

Ja’Derrius had been missing since the early hours of June 5.

Over the past two weeks, family members, community volunteers, Team Texas K9, the United Cajun Navy and numerous law enforcement agencies searched tirelessly for the teenager.

The case sparked widespread concern across Baton Rouge, with city leaders offering rewards and repeatedly urging anyone with information to come forward.

Authorities say the investigation remains active as efforts continue to locate Ja’Derrius and bring answers to his family.

Sources

Baton Rouge Police Department
WAFB
Arrest warrants and court documents