BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB/Gray News) – A tragic domestic violence incident in Baton Rouge has left a young woman dead and her alleged killer critically injured.
Authorities say 22-year-old Kayelyn Ford was shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend, 24-year-old Brandon Bell, just after 3 a.m. on Monday, May 19, at an apartment in the 9800 block of Hooper Road.
Ford had called the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office earlier that morning to report that Bell was trying to enter her apartment using an old key. Deputies responded, searched the property, and left after finding no sign of Bell.
Moments later, Bell allegedly ambushed Ford outside the apartment and fatally shot her. He then turned the gun on himself. According to officials, Bell is in critical condition at a hospital and is not expected to survive.
Court documents reveal that Bell was arrested in April for domestic abuse battery involving Ford. A protective order had been issued, requiring him to stay at least 100 yards away from her. Despite that, Bell allegedly returned, violating the order and ending in a fatal act of violence.
An earlier police affidavit from the April incident describes an argument between Bell and Ford that escalated physically after he was asked to leave the apartment.
This tragedy highlights ongoing concerns about domestic violence and the effectiveness of protective orders in preventing fatal outcomes.
