Arrest Made in Broad Daylight Murder of Keely Brand

Alexandria, LA (4/19/2025) — Alexandria Police have arrested 19-year-old Terris Strong Jr. in connection with the execution-style murder of Keely Brand, a mother of four who was gunned down in broad daylight on April 13 in the 2200 block of East Sycamore Street.

A GoFundMe has been created by Keely Brand’s sister, Miesha Milton, to support Keely’s four young children and assist with funeral expenses. Brand, remembered by loved ones as a kind and beautiful soul, leaves behind children ages 5, 3, 2, and 1. The family welcomes any support during this difficult time. (Click Here)

Strong and Brand lived just houses apart. He was first arrested on April 16, 2025, at 7:32 PM on separate charges related to drug distribution and illegal firearm use. While in custody, police served an additional warrant for second-degree murder on April 19, 2025.

Booking information confirms Strong is being held at the Rapides Parish Detention Center 1 under a total bond amount of $1,101,500. Bond includes:

• $1,000,000 for second-degree murder
• $100,000 for drug manufacturing/distribution
• $1,000 for illegal use of a weapon
• $500 for possession of drug paraphernalia

According to investigators, Brand was deliberately targeted and shot in the back, a crime Chief Chad Gremillion described as “cold and calculated.”

“This was a cold, calculated act that has shaken our community,” said Chief Gremillion. “No one deserves to lose her life in such a brutal way, leaving behind children and family to grieve over a senseless loss.”

Coordinated Efforts

The arrest was the result of coordinated efforts by APD’s detective and uniform divisions, aided by the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab.

“We can’t do this alone,” Gremillion added. “There is no street code when it comes to human lives. The community must speak up.”

Mayor Jacques Roy emphasized that Strong’s swift arrest possibly prevented further retaliatory violence.
“Detectives were smart to remove the danger quickly, then complete the evidence-gathering. I witnessed firsthand top-notch policing and investigatory techniques. I’m proud of these officers but sickened by the senseless loss of Keely Brand,” Roy said.

Officials also addressed misinformation circulating online, warning that misleading narratives can prevent witnesses from coming forward.

How to Help:
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact:

• Alexandria Police Detectives: (318) 441-6416
• APD Dispatch: (318) 441-6559
• Email: [email protected]
• Crime Stoppers of CenLa: (318) 443-7867 or use the P3 Tipster App at www.p3tips.com/community/mobile

Key Phrase Repeated: Keely Brand murder arrest

UrbanCast will provide continued coverage as more information becomes available.

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