Monroe Community Honors Life of Young Local Student
The city gathers to remember 13-year-old Ja'Quarrious Rodgers following his death in Monroe.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Pre-Teens
The Monroe community held a funeral service for 13-year-old Ja'Quarrious Rodgers at the Greater Free Gift Baptist Church. Rodgers, a student at Martin Luther King Jr. Junior High School, was found deceased in West Monroe on October 12, 2026.
Why it matters
The tragedy has deeply affected the local community, highlighting the importance of supporting youth and their families through traumatic events. Following the discovery of his death, local leaders gathered to offer encouragement and honor the memory of the young student.
Official charging documentation confirms Darnell Swan is being held on a $1 million bond for second-degree murder in the death of Ja'Quarrious Rodgers. The specific circumstances leading up to the shooting death remain under investigation.
The players
Ja'Quarrious Rodgers
A 13-year-old student at Martin Luther King Jr. Junior High School.
Darnell Swan
The individual charged with second-degree murder in the death of Ja'Quarrious Rodgers.
Greater Free Gift Baptist Church
The Monroe religious institution that hosted the memorial service.
The details
The funeral service took place at the Greater Free Gift Baptist Church on Highway 165 Bypass, where the community honored the life of the teenager. The service featured scripture readings, prayer, a solo performance, and words of encouragement shared by various community leaders.
Timeline
November 30, 2012: Ja'Quarrious Rodgers was born.
October 12, 2026: Rodgers was reported missing and his body was discovered in West Monroe.
October 20, 2026: Funeral service held for Ja'Quarrious Rodgers at 10 a.m.
Health Landscape
This tragedy occurs amidst ongoing discussions regarding youth safety and support systems in the Monroe area. It highlights the critical need for community-level resources to address youth welfare and mental health following traumatic instances of violence.
Traumatic community events can significantly impact the well-being of local youth and their families. If you or your child are struggling to process this news, consulting with a school counselor or mental health professional is a recommended step.
The takeaway
The community continues to mourn the loss of a young student while navigating the impact of this event. Parents are encouraged to maintain open lines of communication with their children and utilize community support networks during this time.
Further reading
Find more resources for local families on the Pre-Teens section of our site.
