A two-month search for a missing 15-year-old ended at a Louisiana landfill, where authorities recovered remains believed to be his. Investigators say the teen was killed after confronting a man over his alleged behavior toward a teenage girl.
On August 18, 2026, authorities announced that remains believed to be those of 15-year-old Ja’Derrius Minnieweather were recovered from a landfill in Zachary, Louisiana.
DNA testing will be conducted to formally confirm the identification. However, multiple sources said clothing found with the remains matches what Ja’Derrius was reportedly wearing when he disappeared.
On June 5, 2026, Ja’Derrius was last seen in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was reported missing after relatives said they had not seen or heard from him.
In the days following his disappearance, volunteers joined law enforcement in searching wooded areas, abandoned properties, bridges, highways and other locations throughout Baton Rouge.
On June 10, 2026, investigators arrested 51-year-old Maurice Parms on charges of indecent behavior with juveniles and computer-aided solicitation of a minor after detectives allegedly uncovered evidence of an inappropriate relationship between Parms and a 16-year-old girl who was a longtime friend of Ja’Derrius.
Investigators later said Ja’Derrius and Parms had been together on the night of his disappearance.
According to an arrest warrant, detectives believe a tense disagreement developed over the way Parms was allegedly behaving toward the 16-year-old girl.
Investigators said Parms allegedly beat Ja’Derrius to death before concealing his body, discarding evidence and transporting the remains elsewhere for disposal.
On June 20, 2026, police announced that Ja’Derrius was presumed dead.
That same day, Parms was arrested and booked on a charge of first-degree murder in connection with the teen’s death.
Investigators subsequently began an extensive search of the East Baton Rouge Parish North Landfill in Zachary.
On August 18, authorities announced that remains believed to be Ja’Derrius had finally been recovered from the landfill.
Formal identification remains pending DNA testing.
The investigation remains ongoing.
