Brandy Joyce Hanks was 41 and described by friends as a warm, funny, free spirit from Alexandria, Louisiana, remembered for her smile, hugs and a desire to help others. A Grant High School graduate, she was called sweet, comical and quick to see the good in people.

On the evening of Saturday, September 9, 2023, deputies from the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting in the 400 block of Browns Bend Road in Alexandria. Brandy was found wounded by gunfire and was transported by Acadian Ambulance to a local hospital. She died of her injuries around 3:30 a.m. on Monday, September 11.

By Sunday night investigators had identified 43-year-old Richard Scott Dauzart, who lived at the same address as Brandy, as a suspect. Authorities upgraded the charge to second-degree murder, issued a warrant, and later located and took Dauzart into custody. Does anyone have information about Brandy, her last day, or the neighborhood that could help fill gaps in the timeline?