51-year-old man accused of beating missing Louisiana teen to death in argument over treatment of a girl, cops say

51-year-old man accused of beating missing Louisiana teen to death in argument over treatment of a girl, cops say The 15-year-old victim’s body still hasn’t been found, police said - Bookmark A 51-year-old man has been accused of beating a teenager to death after an argument about the treatment of a girl. Maurice Parms was arrested Saturday near Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in connection to the death of 15-year-old Ja’Derrius Minnieweather, who was first reported missing on June 6, according to the local police department. Evidence shows the boy was beaten to death, and his body was “disposed of” afterward, police said. The teen’s body still hasn’t been found, Baton Rouge Police Chief TJ Morse said at a Saturday press conference. Following Parms’ arrest, police executed three search warrants around Baton Rouge, he added. An arrest warrant obtained by WAFB indicates Parms and Merriweather argued after the teen met up with his 16-year-old friend. The teen girl was out getting food with Parms, and when they returned, Minnieweather and Parms argued over the way the 51-year-old was treating her, the warrant said. Witnesses reported seeing a tall man beating someone and hearing a voice asking them to stop, according to the warrant, which indicated blood was found in the area and on Parms’ truck afterward. Detectives suspect Parms may have taken the evidence and the boy’s body to another location in his vehicle, the warrant reportedly said. Investigators also found evidence suggesting Parms had an inappropriate relationship with the 16-year-old girl, according to WAFB. Parms was booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on a first-degree murder charge. He was previously arrested for simple burglary, armed robbery, indecent behavior with juveniles and computer-aided solicitation for sexual purposes, according to the Baton Rouge Police Department. “We need our whole community to pray for this family until we can get Ja’Derrius back,” Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards told reporters Saturday. “I want to thank the public. I want to thank the citizens of East Baton Rouge Parish, because they stepped up. Without them, today may not have happened,” he added. It’s unclear whether Parms has obtained an attorney who can speak on his behalf. The Independent has requested comment from the Baton Rouge Police Department.