A climate of grief and uncertainty has descended upon the family of Ja’Derrius Minnieweather, a 15-year-old boy who has been out of contact since June 5, 2026. The case is currently being treated as a high-priority investigation by the Baton Rouge Police Department (BRPD), with search efforts focused around the Ghost Town area.

Ja’Derrius is described as an active student at Istrouma High School, known for his love of riding dirt bikes, participating in rodeos, and spending time with his friends. Regarding his physical description, the teenager is five feet tall and weighs just under 100 pounds. A vital clue provided by the family is that the jacket seen in the released photograph is the exact garment he was wearing when he was last seen.

The emotional toll on the family has reached a breaking point. In a desperate plea, his father, Branderius Brooks, shared: “I just want my baby at home. If anybody knows anything or has seen anything, please reach out. I want my baby home bad.”

The anxiety is felt deeply by other family members as well, including his grandmother, Jawanna Brooks, who noted the immense difficulty the family has faced since his disappearance last Thursday. She expressed her anguish, stating: “I just want my grandson home, returned home safe. Somebody out there knows something. It’s been since Thursday since Ja’Derrius has been missing.”

The psychological pressure has overwhelmed the family, with Ms. Brooks adding: “I’m stressed out to the max. His mama is going crazy. They’re going crazy. Please, please let the Baton Rouge Police Department know something.”

Amid the agonizing wait, Ja’Derrius’s grandmother continues to hold onto hope, sending a heartfelt message to her grandson: “I talk to you every day, boy. Please call me. Lord, somebody out there knows something about my grandbaby. Please tell us. Let us know.”

At this time, the Baton Rouge Police Department and the family are urgently calling on the community for assistance. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Ja’Derrius Minnieweather is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 225-344-7867 or call 911.