Search Intensifies for Missing 15-Year-Old as Investigators Comb Through Baton Rouge Landfill

A massive recovery effort is now underway in Baton Rouge as authorities search for the remains of 15-year-old Ja’Derrius Minnieweather, whose disappearance has become the focus of a homicide investigation.

On Monday, investigators officially began searching the Baton Rouge North Landfill, where they believe the teenager’s body may have ended up after allegedly being discarded in a dumpster.

Search Focuses on Less Than One Acre

According to the Baton Rouge Police Department, investigators have narrowed the search area to less than one acre inside the sprawling landfill.

Officials believe GPS data and waste collection records allowed them to identify the section where the garbage containing the teen’s remains may have been deposited.

Although the search area has been significantly reduced, authorities say the operation remains extremely difficult due to the enormous amount of waste that must be examined.

FBI Joins Large-Scale Recovery Operation

The recovery effort involves approximately 70 personnel, including:

FBI agents
Baton Rouge Police investigators
Firefighters
Specialized recovery teams
Heavy equipment operators
Drone teams

Crews are working with heavy machinery while carefully examining debris in an effort to preserve any potential evidence.

Officials say the landfill remains an active crime scene throughout the operation.

Murder Suspect Not Cooperating

Police have charged Maurice Parms, 51, with first-degree m-rd3r in connection with Ja’Derrius’ death.

Investigators say Parms has refused to cooperate throughout the investigation and has provided no information that could assist in locating the teenager’s remains.

Authorities believe recovering the victim is critical both for providing closure to the family and strengthening the criminal case.

Search Could Continue for Days

Officials caution that the recovery operation is unlikely to be completed quickly.

Extreme heat, changing weather conditions and the sheer volume of material being searched are expected to slow progress.

As of now, investigators have not announced the recovery of any remains.

Community Asked to Help

Police continue asking anyone with information related to Ja’Derrius Minnieweather’s disappearance or death to contact investigators.

Authorities say every piece of information remains valuable as the homicide investigation continues alongside the ongoing landfill search.

Sources

Baton Rouge Police Department
WAFB News
FBI-assisted recovery operation statements