The Alexandria Police Department (APD) has arrested Terris Strong Jr., 19, in connection with the execution-style murder of Keely Brand, which occurred April 13, 2025, in the 2200 block of East Sycamore Street, where the suspect and victim lived a few houses apart from each other. Terris Strong was arrested on April 16, 2025, and already in custody at the time this new arrest warrant was served on him.
Following the initial arrest of Terris Strong Jr. on April 16, 2025, on possession with intent to distribute drugs and illegal use of a firearm, this second arrest of Terris Strong Jr. on the second-degree murder warrant was in the works immediately following the death of Keely Brand, a mother of four.
The City Administration and APD commend the work of APD’s detective and uniform divisions, as well as expedited assistance from Louisiana State Police Crime Lab. The City Administration and APD denounce misinformation by so-called community activists or unverified reporting.
The City acknowledges it is challenging for people afraid of retaliation and getting involved to come forward, especially if information related to the public is misleading. Chief Gremillion emphasized the vital role of the public through community involvement in solving violent crimes.
“If you want action, you must be part of the solution. There is no street code when it comes to human lives,” Gremillion stated. “We can’t do this alone. The community must speak up. Remaining silent only protects those who bring harm to our neighborhoods.”
Let’s talk facts:
“This was a cold, calculated act that has shaken our community,” said Alexandria Police Chief Chad Gremillion. “On behalf of Mayor Roy and our whole team, we were aggressive about resolving this matter immediately, before further harm could occur. We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Keely Brand. No one deserves to lose her life in such a brutal way, leaving behind children and family to grieve over a senseless loss of life.”
“While this suspect, a 19-year-old, was in detention for the other charges and removed from the streets, APD completed its case against the suspect for the brutal murder of Keely Brand, a mother taken from her family by a most cowardly act literally shooting an unwitting mother ‘in the back,’” explained Chief Gremillion.
“Knowing what we do from the investigation, that first arrest of the suspect very possibly saved lives from additional retaliatory violence or more violence by the suspect. Detectives were smart to remove the danger as fast as possible and then complete the evidence-gathering on a dangerous suspect from causing even more tragedy,” echoed Alexandria Mayor Jacques M. Roy. “I witnessed first hand top-notch policing and investigatory techniques using modern methods and technology. I’m proud of these officers but sickened by the senseless loss of Keely Brand,” said Mayor Roy.
How can you help:
This is currently an ongoing investigation.
If anyone has any information about this incident or any other type of crime in the Alexandria area, please contact the Alexandria Police Detective Division at the phone number (318) 441-6416, or APD Dispatch (318) 441-6559. You may also email information to detectives at: APDDetectives@cityofalex.com.
For a cash reward, call Crime Stoppers of CenLa at (318) 443-7867. The Crime Stoppers P3 Tipster App can also be downloaded to leave tips and get a claim number for a cash reward at www.p3tips.com/community/mobile.
