Full Breakdown
Murder Arrest in Baton Rouge: Police Declare Teen Dead
6/21/2026, 11:09:35 PM
Core Facts
- Victim: 15-year-old Ja’Derrius Minnieweather, missing since 2 a.m. on June 5, 2026.
- Suspect: 51-year-old Maurice Parms, arrested June 20, 2026, on a first-degree murder charge.
- Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana; alleged assault site undisclosed; body not yet recovered.
- Alleged method: Police say Minnieweather was beaten, blood evidence was found, and the body was subsequently disposed of.
Background of the Investigation
Parms was detained on June 10 on counts of indecent behavior with juveniles and computer-aided solicitation of a minor. Detectives linked those charges to the Minnieweather case after uncovering evidence of an inappropriate relationship between Parms and a 16-year-old friend of the victim.
Key Individuals
- Ja’Derrius Minnieweather – 15-year-old who disappeared while en route to see a longtime friend.
- Maurice Parms – 51-year-old local resident, previously charged with juvenile offenses, now accused of first-degree murder.
Timeline of Key Events
- June 5, 2026 (?2 a.m.): Minnieweather last seen heading to a friend’s house.
- June 10, 2026: Parms arrested on juvenile-related offenses.
- June 20, 2026: Baton Rouge Police Department (BRPD) announces Minnieweather’s death and books Parms on murder.
Evidence and Witness Accounts
Witnesses described a tall male beating a smaller person for several minutes, hearing a softer voice pleading to stop. Large suspected bloodstains at the scene tested positive for blood. Surveillance video allegedly shows a person matching Parms’ build riding a child’s bicycle, discarding a mask, gloves and a T-shirt, then later retrieving them. Forensic analysis of Parms’ truck revealed blood on a rag used to wipe interior surfaces and on other vehicle areas.
Official Police Statements
The Baton Rouge Police Department said the collected evidence points to a fatal beating and subsequent disposal of the body, though the remains have not been located. Detectives emphasized that the investigation remains active and urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
- The victim’s body has not been recovered, leaving the disposal site unverified.
- Police attribute death to a beating, but an independent autopsy report has not been cited.
- The surveillance video description relies on investigators’ interpretation; the footage itself has not been released publicly.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Maurice Parms (WAFB) Police said evidence suggests Minnieweather was beaten to death and that his body was disposed of after the attack.” — Baton Rouge Police Department
- “Maurice Parms (EBRSO) Detectives wrote in the warrant that witnesses described seeing a tall male beating a smaller person for several minutes.” — Baton Rouge Police Department detectives
Upcoming Actions
BRPD continues to search for the missing body and solicits tips via Crime Stoppers (225-344-STOP). Ongoing forensic analysis of Parms’ vehicle and the surveillance footage is expected to shape forthcoming court proceedings.
