HE LEFT HOME TO CHECK ON A FRIEND — POLICE SAY SURVEILLANCE FOOTAGE HELPED REVEAL THE HORRIFYING FINAL HOURS OF 15-YEAR-OLD JA’DERRIUS MINNIEWEATHER
The search for 15-year-old Ja’Derrius Minnieweather began as a desperate effort to find a missing teenager.
Today, investigators say it has become a homicide investigation that has devastated an entire Baton Rouge community.
Ja’Derrius disappeared during the early morning hours of June 5 after riding his bicycle to check on a longtime female friend. According to investigators, the teenager arrived at a residence where the girl was reportedly spending time with 51-year-old Maurice Parms.
Police say what happened next changed the lives of everyone involved forever.
According to court documents, detectives believe a confrontation occurred between Ja’Derrius and Parms. Witnesses allegedly reported seeing a tall man physically assaulting a smaller person for several minutes while a softer voice could reportedly be heard pleading for the attack to stop.
Investigators later processed the area and discovered what they describe as significant blood evidence.
Police say surveillance footage became one of the most important pieces of evidence in the case.
According to detectives, cameras allegedly captured Parms moving through the neighborhood after Ja’Derrius disappeared. Investigators claim he was seen discarding clothing, gloves, and other items before later returning to recover them.
Authorities also allege that Parms intentionally left his cellphone behind at one point, a move detectives believe may have been designed to avoid placing the device at certain locations.
Detectives subsequently searched Parms’ truck and reported finding blood in several areas, including sections investigators say appeared to have been wiped down.
Based on the evidence collected, police believe Ja’Derrius was killed shortly after arriving to see his friend.
Maurice Parms was initially arrested earlier in the investigation after authorities uncovered messages between him and the teenage girl. Investigators allege the communications reflected an inappropriate relationship.
As detectives gathered additional evidence, Parms was later charged with first-degree murder.
However, despite the arrest, one painful question continues to haunt Ja’Derrius’ family.
His body has not yet been recovered.
Search crews have continued combing through multiple locations, including a landfill in Zachary, Louisiana, hoping to finally bring the teenager home.
Family members say they are grateful investigators have made progress, but stress that true closure cannot come until Ja’Derrius is found.
For now, they continue waiting, grieving, and praying that one day they will be able to lay their 15-year-old son, cousin, and friend to rest.
Police emphasize that the investigation remains active, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact authorities.
