“We Are Beckoning Your Spirit Home”: Community Rallies as Search for Missing Baton Rouge Teen Enters Critical Stage
“We Are Beckoning Your Spirit Home”: Race Against Time to Find Missing Baton Rouge Teen as Storms Threaten Search
The desperate search for 15-year-old Ja’Derrius Minnieweather has entered a critical stage, with authorities and volunteers racing against time as heavy rain and possible flooding threaten to hamper efforts to find the missing Baton Rouge teen.
Ja’Derrius has not been seen since the early hours of June 5, and more than a week later, his family and community continue to hold onto hope while pleading for answers.
As search teams comb through wooded areas, highways, and bridges across Baton Rouge, officials believe someone knows more than they have shared.
“Someone Out There Knows Something”
During a press conference Wednesday, East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards made an emotional appeal to the public.
“We need that information,” Edwards said. “Because I can tell you now, with the law enforcement and the people we have working on this, it’s not if we find out, it’s when we find out.”
Crime Stoppers later clarified that it is offering a $2,000 reward for information received within the next 48 hours, while the United Cajun Navy pledged an additional $5,000 to support the effort.
Officials stressed that tips can be submitted anonymously.
Family Begs for Help
Family Makes Emotional Plea
Ja’Derrius’ aunt, Tabitha, thanked volunteers and everyone who has supported the family since the teen vanished.
“I want to thank everybody for every prayer, for all the boots on the ground, all the efforts, all the tips that are coming in,” she said.
“But there’s someone—or more than someone—out there that knows more. Please, please call Crime Stoppers. You can remain anonymous. Help us bring Ja’Derrius home.”
One of the most moving moments came when District 10 Metro Councilwoman Carolyn Coleman addressed the missing teenager directly.
“Wheresoever you are, wherever you are, know that we are beckoning your spirit on unto us and home,” she said.
More Than 100 Volunteers Join the Search
The United Cajun Navy has deployed more than 100 volunteers to assist law enforcement.
Search teams have spent days examining wooded areas, roadways, overpasses, and locations throughout Baton Rouge in hopes of finding any sign of the missing teenager.
Volunteers say they will continue working alongside the Baton Rouge Police Department until answers are found.
Mayor Edwards urged the community not to give up.
“I know people have been working hard, but none of us should rest until we figure this out,” he said. “Can you imagine the family? Can you imagine the mother?”
Time Is Running Short
Authorities say Ja’Derrius is 5 feet tall, weighs approximately 98 pounds, and has brown eyes.
He was last seen wearing black sweatpants, a gray-and-black shirt, and red Nike slides.
As severe weather approaches the Baton Rouge area, concern is growing that flooding could complicate the search and potentially destroy important evidence.
Investigators continue to urge anyone with information—no matter how small—to call Crime Stoppers at 225-344-STOP (7867).
For his family, the hope remains unchanged: that Ja’Derrius will be found and brought home.
References
WAFB 9 News (June 18, 2026)
Baton Rouge Police Department
Crime Stoppers of Greater Baton Rouge
United Cajun Navy
Statements from Mayor-President Sid Edwards and family members of Ja’Derrius Minnieweather