Updated

Updated · The Advocate · Jun 20

Maurice Parms Arrested in 15-Year-Old Ja’Derrius Minnieweather Killing as Police Seek Body

Updated

Updated · The Advocate · Jun 20

Maurice Parms Arrested in 15-Year-Old Ja’Derrius Minnieweather Killing as Police Seek Body

Q: What fatal argument over a teen friend led to a 15-year-old's murder?

Police say the fatal argument was over Maurice Parms’ conduct toward Ja’Derrius Minnieweather’s 16-year-old longtime friend. According to the arrest warrant, Minnieweather went to see the teen shortly before he disappeared, and a tense confrontation followed between the 15-year-old and Parms, 51. Investigators say the dispute centered on “the way Parms was acting toward the 16-year-old,” whose relationship with Parms was later described by police as inappropriate. That allegation was reinforced by evidence uncovered during the investigation, including messages and other material that led to Parms’ earlier arrest on charges of indecent behavior with juveniles and computer-aided solicitation of a minor. Police say witnesses then saw a tall man beating a smaller person for several minutes, while a softer voice pleaded for the assault to stop. Authorities have not recovered Minnieweather’s body, but say blood evidence at the scene, surveillance footage, and blood found in Parms’ truck support the murder charge. Parms has been arrested on first-degree murder in the case, and the investigation remains ongoing.

3 articles · Updated · The Advocate · Jun 20

Baton Rouge police arrested 51-year-old Maurice Parms on a first-degree murder count, saying 15-year-old Ja’Derrius Minnieweather was beaten to death and his body was later disposed of.
Three search warrants executed in the previous 24 hours and tips gathered after a $10,000 reward announcement helped investigators build the case, Police Chief T.J. Morse said.
A search of a 16-year-old girl's phone uncovered messages with Parms and several Cash App payments; she told police they had been communicating since September 2025 and had met multiple times.
Parms was already facing indecent behavior with juveniles and computer-aided solicitation of a minor charges, while police said Minnieweather was last seen around 2 a.m. June 5 on Bradley Street.
The investigation is now focused on recovering Minnieweather's body, with police and city officials still urging the public to provide information.