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Incident
Sergeant Tommy Alexander was shot and killed while responding to a burglary in progress at a home at 4086 Highway 80 in Richland Parish.
A woman had called 911 to report the sound of breaking glass. Sergeant Alexander, who was the closest officer to the location, responded to the scene despite the call coming from outside of the city limit.
He was the first officer to arrive at the scene and began searching the home. The three suspects were hidden inside and opened fire as he was conducting the search. Responding deputies heard the shots as they arrived on the scene and took one of the suspects into custody inside the home. The two other suspects were apprehended a short time later.
On June 15th, 2011, one suspect, 53, involved in the burglary plead guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison. On January 12, 2014, the shooter, 33, was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life without parole. On October 20, 2014, the third suspect, 30, was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 21 years.
Sergeant Alexander had served with the Rayville Police Department for 13 years and had previously served with the Richland Parish Sheriff's Office for seven years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and four daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
20 years. You could have gone home.
Sergeant Alexander gave the Rayville Police Department 20 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Rayville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Alexander.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Rayville Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Thomas is one of 364 officers killed feloniously in LA, 61.2% of the 595 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2010, 4 officers in LA were killed feloniously, the 21st heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1900, with 7.
In 2010, 80 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 84th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2010, 85 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 80th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Thomas was 57. Of the 310 killed feloniously in LA whose age is recorded, half were between 31.3 and 48; the middle age was 40. Thomas had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
Thomas was 57. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Thomas had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Thomas was 57. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Thomas had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 5.5% of these deaths in LA; July holds the most, 11.3%. Saturdays: 15.9%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Rayville Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.2% of all 595 deaths in LA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 13.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Rayville Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Thomas among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 17-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Rayville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.