A 23-year-old man was arrested Monday following the discovery of a missing 13-year-old boy’s body in West Monroe, according to the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Joshua Swan faces a charge of second-degree murder in connection with the death of 13-year-old Ja’Quarrious M. Rodgers.
Deputies and investigators with the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office Patrol, Criminal Investigations, and Crime Scene divisions responded to Blazier Street following a report of a deceased person. Officials identified the victim as Rodgers, who had been reported missing from the Monroe area earlier that day.
According to authorities, the youth’s body was discovered inside a dumpster in West Monroe. Investigators quickly identified Swan as a suspect during the course of the inquiry. The Monroe Police Department assisted the sheriff’s office throughout the ongoing investigation.
Rodgers would have celebrated his 14th birthday on November 30. He was a student at Prevailing Faith School in elementary school and was an 8th grade student at Martin Luther King Junior High School.
The family posted RIP images of Rodgers on social media on Tuesday.
Family members shared that a group of Rodgers’ friends reported the incident may have occurred in a field in Monroe. At this time, family members stated they are unaware of any connection between the victim and Swan.
The investigation remains active as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact local law enforcement.
