Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards says the city remains fully committed to supporting the search for missing teenager Jadarius while also addressing crime, overgrown roadsides, and infrastructure concerns across East Baton Rouge Parish.
During an interview on Talk 107.3 FM, Edwards outlined the city’s role in several of the community’s most pressing issues.
City Supports Ongoing Landfill Search
Edwards described the city’s role in the landfill search as primarily supportive, while crediting the Baton Rouge Police Department, the FBI, and other agencies leading the operation.
He said he receives daily briefings, participates in planning meetings, and has access to a live feed of the search effort. Edwards praised investigators for quickly organizing the complex operation, noting that specialized personnel from Quantico and multiple partner agencies were needed before crews could safely begin searching.
“The hard work belongs to the agencies on the ground,” Edwards said, adding that the city’s priority remains helping bring closure to Jadarius’ family.
Crime Prevention Remains a Priority
Edwards also addressed Baton Rouge’s homicide numbers, which are slightly higher than this time last year. While acknowledging every homicide is significant, he said overall crime trends remain comparable to last year’s levels, which marked one of the city’s lowest homicide totals in a decade.
The mayor emphasized that many recent homicides involve disputes between people who know each other, making prevention especially challenging.
He also stressed the importance of investing in youth programs, violence prevention efforts, education, and economic opportunity to address the root causes of crime over the long term.
Tackling Grass and Lighting Problems
Residents have also raised concerns about overgrown grass along roadways and dark interstate corridors.
Edwards explained that recent rainfall, staffing challenges, and the expiration of a maintenance agreement with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development contributed to delays in mowing interstate rights-of-way. The city is now working with contractors and community partners to accelerate mowing efforts.
The mayor also said officials are addressing hundreds of inoperative interstate lights by coordinating with Entergy, DOTD, and other partners. He said restoring lighting along major travel corridors remains a top priority as the city works to improve safety and quality of life for Baton Rouge residents.