Body Found in Burning Louisiana Sugarcane Field Identified, Suspect Sought

The body found dead in a burning sugarcane field on Wednesday has been identified, according to authorities.

The West Baton Rouge Coroner's Office has identified the body as 18-year-old Ja'Morius Mitchell of Plaquemine.

Due to the body being burned so badly, officials used dental records to identify him.

Sgt. Landon Groger with the West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office said foul play is suspected in the man's death. The department is treating this as a homicide investigation.

There is also a suspect in the case as authorities are searching for Tyler Dante Davis, 18, in connection with Mitchell's death.

Authorities say Davis is wanted on charges of second-degree murder and obstruction of justice.

Mitchell was reported missing last week by the Plaquemines Police Department and was last seen on Thursday, December 12.

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On Wednesday afternoon, two farmers in Addis discovered flames in their sugarcane field. When they went to investigate, they found a body in a ditch between two fields.

One of the farmers told a local media outlet that the body was covered in broken pieces of sugarcane and that he believed the body could have been there for days.

The WBRPSO is asking anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Davis to contact the West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office at 225-343-9234 or Capital Region Crime Stoppers at 225-344-STOP (7867). All tips remain completely anonymous, and you may be eligible for a cash reward.