MONROE, LOUISIANA – A 23-year-old man has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of 13-year-old Ja’Quarrious Rodgers, whose body was found in a West Monroe dumpster. The Monroe eighth grader had been reported missing and was found the same weekend with a gunshot wound to the head and burns. Joshua Darnell Swan is being held on a $1 million bond. Ja’Quarrious would have turned 14 on November 30.
Teen Allegedly Taken to Field Off Buckhorn Bend to Shoot Guns
According to the affidavit, Swan drove Ja’Quarrious and three other kids to a field off Buckhorn Bend to shoot guns. Witnesses said Swan walked up behind the boy while he was looking down at a gun. Buckhorn Bend is a rural road in the Monroe area.
Swan allegedly fired one round into the back of the boy’s head. He then reportedly threatened to kill the other children if they told anyone what happened. The ages of the other children were not released. The other children were not reported injured.
Swan Allegedly Admitted Shooting and Tried to Destroy Evidence
Per the affidavit, Swan admitted to the shooting but claimed the boy had threatened him. He then allegedly tried to burn the body and other evidence. Investigators have not said what the alleged threat involved. His claim has not been supported by any public evidence.
Ja’Quarrious was later found in a dumpster in West Monroe the same weekend he was reported missing. The discovery left the community in shock. West Monroe sits just across the Ouachita River from Monroe.
Joshua Darnell Swan Held on $1 Million Bond
Swan, 23, is charged with second-degree murder and remains held on a $1 million bond. His next court date is set for December 8. Additional charges related to the alleged burning of evidence were not mentioned in the post.
In Louisiana, second-degree murder carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole. Swan is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. The case will move through the Ouachita Parish court system.
Eighth Grader Remembered Days Before His 14th Birthday
Ja’Quarrious was an eighth grader in Monroe and was just weeks away from his 14th birthday. Loved ones are mourning a young life cut short. His school community is also grieving his loss.
The case has sparked outrage online, with many calling for justice for the 13-year-old. The relationship between Swan and the children has not been made public. Child safety advocates urge parents to know who their children spend time with and where they go. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact local law enforcement.
Stay with community-journal.com for the latest weather updates and local forecast coverage.
