In the warm evening of a New Orleans neighborhood, a gathering of friends enjoying a game of dominos was shattered by sudden violence. On Saturday, June 15, 2024, 57-year-old Kelly Pernell Harrell, a cherished father and friend known affectionately as 'Big Kelly,' was shot and killed. The incident occurred around 5:43 p.m. in the 8400 block of Spruce Street in the Leonidas neighborhood.
Emergency services responded to reports of gunfire and found Harrell, who was then transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into the shooting led to the arrest of 40-year-old Brandon Plains on June 20, 2024. Plains was booked into the New Orleans jail on one count of second-degree murder. According to police, Plains is accused of spraying bullets at the neighborhood party where Harrell was playing dominos.
Kelly Harrell, a New Orleans native, was a father of four and a respected chef who had worked at prominent establishments like the Hotel Monteleone and The Hilton. He was remembered for his love of family, sports, music, and his vibrant fashion sense. He was also a former member of 'The Original Pigeon Town Steppers,' a cultural second-lining group. His sudden and violent death left his family and community in mourning.
