“We are beckoning your spirit”: Search for Missing Baton Rouge Teen Enters Another Painful Day
BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – Officials in Baton Rouge are racing against time as heavy rains and flooding approach the capital area in the search for missing 15-year-old Ja’Derrius Minnieweather.
In the press conference on Wednesday, June 17, East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards first announced a $10,000 reward within 48 hours, but Crime Stoppers later clarified that it is offering a $2,000 reward to anyone who contacts them within the next 48 hours with information.
“We need that information,” said Edwards. “Because I can tell you now, with the law enforcement and the people we have working on this, it’s not if we find out, it’s when we find out.”
Minnieweather has been missing for more than a week. He was last seen in the early hours of June 5 in the Baton Rouge area.
“I want to thank everybody for every prayer, for all the boots on the ground, all the efforts, all the tips that are coming in. But there’s someone or more than someone out there that knows more,” said Ja’Derrius’s aunt Tabitha. ”Please, please call CrimeStoppers. You can remain anonymous. Help us bring Ja’Derrius home.”
The United Cajun Navy brought more than 100 volunteers who recently searched multiple locations throughout Baton Rouge, including wooded areas, bridges, and highways. They said they will collaborate with the Baton Rouge Police Department until the teen is found. And the United Cajun Navy will commit $5,000 to CrimeStoppers within 48 hours as well.
City officials held a press conference this afternoon with Mayor-President Sid Edwards and Police Chief TJ Morse leading the plea for community help. Multiple officials asked anyone with information about Minnieweather’s whereabouts to come forward.
“I want to speak to the spirit of Ja’Derrius out there,” said Carolyn Coleman, EBR Metro Councilwoman over District 10. “Wheresoever you are, wherever you are, know that we are beckoning your spirit on onto us and home.”
Minnieweather is 5 feet tall, weighs 98 pounds, and has brown eyes. He was last seen wearing black sweatpants, a gray-and-black shirt, and red Nike slippers.
“I know people have been working hard, but none of us should rest until we figure this out,“ Edwards said. ”Can you imagine the family? Can you imagine the mother?”
