New Iberia Mourns the Loss of 23-Year-Old Kelsey Alexander Jr. After Fatal Shooting on Mississippi Street

New Iberia Mourns the Loss of 23-Year-Old Kelsey Alexander Jr. After Fatal Shooting on Mississippi Street

NEW IBERIA, La. — A wave of shock and sorrow has swept through the New Iberia community following the tragic death of Kelsey Alexander Jr., who was fatally shot earlier this week in a residential area of the city. The Iberia Parish Coroner’s Office officially identified the victim as 23-year-old Kelsey Alexander Jr., a lifelong resident of New Iberia whose life was cut short by violence that has left friends, family, and neighbors devastated.

The fatal shooting occurred on Mississippi Street, a quiet stretch of neighborhood road that was disrupted by the sound of gunfire and flashing lights late Monday night. Officers with the New Iberia Police Department responded to the scene shortly after 9:30 p.m., following multiple reports of shots fired in the area.

Upon arrival, officers discovered Kelsey Alexander Jr. suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Despite lifesaving efforts at the scene and during transport, he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at a local hospital. The coroner later confirmed his identity and noted that an autopsy is pending as the investigation continues.

An Ongoing Investigation

As of Thursday, authorities have not yet announced any arrests in connection with the shooting. Investigators are continuing to process evidence and review surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses in hopes of identifying suspects or uncovering a motive. Detectives are also urging anyone who may have seen or heard anything unusual in the area that night to come forward.

“This is a devastating loss for the Alexander family and for our community,” said a spokesperson for the New Iberia Police Department. “We are actively working leads and asking for the public’s help in bringing justice to this young man and his loved ones.”

Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Iberia Parish at (337) 364-TIPS or through the P3 Tips mobile app.

Remembering Kelsey Alexander Jr.

Described by loved ones as kind-hearted, easygoing, and full of life, Kelsey Alexander Jr. was more than a victim—he was a son, brother, friend, and young man with hopes for the future.

He graduated from New Iberia Senior High School and was known for his love of music, cars, and family cookouts. Friends say he had a smile that could brighten any room and a laid-back demeanor that put people at ease.

“He was just a good kid. Always respectful, always chill,” said a childhood friend. “He didn’t deserve this. None of this makes sense.”

Kelsey had recently spoken to friends about pursuing new job opportunities and taking steps to support his younger siblings. He was also an avid basketball fan and often joined local pickup games at neighborhood parks.

Social media has since been flooded with photos, videos, and heartfelt tributes to his life. Dozens of friends and relatives shared memories, expressing disbelief and heartbreak over the news of his death.

A Community in Grief, Demanding Change

The tragic death of Kelsey Alexander Jr. marks another chapter in a troubling trend of gun violence affecting young people across Louisiana and the country. In recent months, community leaders in New Iberia have voiced increasing concern over the rise in shootings—especially those involving young Black men.

Many residents are now calling for not only justice in Kelsey’s case but for stronger community action, improved youth outreach programs, and a renewed focus on preventing violence before it starts.

“We’ve lost too many of our young men to the streets,” said one local pastor. “Kelsey’s death is a wake-up call. We can’t keep letting this happen.”

Plans for a candlelight vigil in Kelsey’s memory are already underway, with local organizations and faith leaders hoping to provide a space for healing and unity amid the grief. The vigil is expected to take place near the site of the shooting, where residents will gather to honor his life and demand safer neighborhoods for the next generation.

Final Thoughts

As the New Iberia Police Department continues its investigation into the death of Kelsey Alexander Jr., one thing remains clear: the loss of this young life has shaken a community to its core. His family is left mourning a son whose potential will never be fully realized. His friends are left with memories that now feel like echoes. And the city of New Iberia is left with yet another name to remember, another tragedy to reckon with.

The pain of this loss is deep—but so is the resolve of those who knew and loved him to keep his memory alive and push for change in his name.

Rest in peace, Kelsey. You will not be forgotten.