A Baton Rouge man has been indicted on a first-degree murder charge in connection with the disappearance and presumed death of his 66-year-old stepfather. Prosecutors allege the suspect killed the victim inside his home, attempted to clean up the scene, stole his vehicle, and fled the state. Despite months of investigation, the victim’s body has not been found.
Grand Jury Indicts Baton Rouge Man for Murder
A grand jury on Wednesday indicted 35-year-old Ian Seghers on one count of first-degree murder in the death of his stepfather, Walter Rowland.
In addition to the murder charge, Seghers is also accused of using Rowland’s van without permission after the alleged killing.
The indictment marks the latest development in a case that began when Rowland was reported missing in March 2025.
Walter Rowland Reported Missing
According to police records, concern for Rowland’s safety began after he failed to attend a weekly meeting with his sister on March 7, 2025.
After several days without hearing from him, his sister contacted authorities and requested a welfare check.
When officers arrived at Rowland’s property two days later, they discovered he was missing. Investigators also noted that his van was gone.
Authorities later determined that Rowland’s cellphone had shown no activity since March 1, raising further concerns about his whereabouts.
Investigators Focus on Property Search
As the investigation intensified, detectives obtained a search warrant for Rowland’s property on Jean Street in Baton Rouge.
Seghers had reportedly been living in a trailer located on the property.
According to investigators, Rowland’s sister told police that the relationship between the two men had deteriorated significantly following the death of Seghers’ mother.
During the search, detectives uncovered evidence that led them to believe a violent crime had occurred inside the residence.
Police Describe Bloody Crime Scene
According to an arrest affidavit, investigators identified Rowland’s bedroom as the location where the killing allegedly took place.
Detectives reported finding blood evidence throughout the room, with blood splattered across multiple surfaces.
Police also alleged that cleaning products had been spread throughout the area in an apparent attempt to remove evidence.
Investigators further discovered what they described as a trail of blood leading from the bedroom through the house and toward the front porch.
According to witness statements, Seghers had allegedly parked Rowland’s van near that location.
Victim’s Body Still Missing
Despite extensive searches and the discovery of what investigators describe as substantial evidence, authorities have not recovered Walter Rowland’s body.
The absence of the victim’s remains has added complexity to the case, but investigators believe evidence collected from the property supports the murder allegations.
Law enforcement officials continue searching for information that could lead to the recovery of Rowland’s remains.
Van Tracked Across State Lines
Investigators later traced Rowland’s missing van through license plate reader technology.
According to police, the vehicle was photographed in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, on March 9.
Authorities believe Seghers travelled across state lines after the alleged killing.
The movement of the vehicle became a key part of the investigation as detectives attempted to reconstruct his actions following Rowland’s disappearance.
Tips From Family and Friends Help Investigation
Police said Seghers’ brother and a friend contacted investigators after becoming concerned that he may have been involved in Rowland’s disappearance.
Authorities also learned about an encounter involving Seghers in Pearl River, Louisiana.
According to investigators, a mutual friend of both Seghers and Rowland reported that Seghers asked to borrow a shovel, allegedly stating that he needed it to bury his dog.
The friend reportedly observed Seghers walking into a nearby wooded area after obtaining the shovel.
Investigators considered the information significant as they continued examining the case.
Arrest and Extradition
Seghers was eventually arrested on unrelated charges in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, on March 25.
Authorities later extradited him to St. Tammany Parish in Louisiana.
Following his release from custody there, he was transferred back to Baton Rouge, where detectives arrested him in connection with Rowland’s disappearance and presumed death.
Since then, prosecutors have continued building their case while presenting evidence to a grand jury.
Court Proceedings Continue
Following the indictment, Seghers now faces formal prosecution on the first-degree murder charge.
Court records show that his arraignment is scheduled for June 22.
Prosecutors are expected to continue presenting evidence as the case moves through the legal system.
As with all criminal cases, Seghers is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
