Baton Rouge, Louisiana — Weeks into a grueling recovery effort, crews equipped with heavy machinery and protective gear are sifting through thousands of tons of garbage at the Baton Rouge North Landfill in a desperate bid to find the remains of 15-year-old Ja’Derrius Minnieweather. Police believe the teen’s body was dumped following his alleged murder, turning a routine trash collection into a heartbreaking crime scene spanning hundreds of acres.

Minnieweather was last seen in the early morning hours of June 5, 2026, in the Foster and Winbourne area of Baton Rouge. Investigators say 51-year-old Maurice Parms beat the teen to death during a confrontation — reportedly stemming from an argument over Parms’ interactions with a 16-year-old girl Minnieweather knew — before going to extreme lengths to conceal the evidence. Parms was arrested on June 20 and charged with first-degree murder. He has not cooperated with authorities regarding the location of the body.

Strong evidence led investigators to conclude that Minnieweather’s remains were placed in a dumpster, collected by a garbage truck, and transported to the North Landfill in Zachary. The active 400-acre site receives approximately 1,600 tons of waste daily. Officials, partnering with the FBI, have narrowed the search to a targeted half-acre cell but warn the operation — involving hand-sifting through debris in extreme heat while wearing protective suits — could take several weeks.

Baton Rouge officials, including Mayor-President Sid Edwards and Police Chief T.J. Morse, have described the search as extraordinarily challenging, likening it to post-9/11 recovery efforts. The United Cajun Navy and other volunteers have assisted in earlier phases, scouring thousands of acres. The physical recovery at the landfill began around mid-July after extensive planning to reroute trash and use advanced imaging.

The community remains united in hope for answers and closure for Minnieweather’s grieving family. A reward was previously offered for information, and the investigation continues as an active crime scene.

This tragic case highlights the profound difficulties in recovering victims hidden in vast waste sites and the relentless pursuit of justice by law enforcement.

Sources:

• The Advocate, WAFB