Freddie Mae Brandon was a beloved member of her community. Born in Mississippi on April 23, 1939.

She raised seven children as a single mother and had 19 grandchildren. Freddie loved to laugh and dance, specifically to oldies music, which earned her the nickname “Rock Steady Freddie”. She adored cooking for her family, and was known for her Easter Sunday feast, which included: turkey wings, ham, macaroni and cheese, sweet potato pie, and greens. Freddie had lived in her ground-level apartment for over 20 years and had a friendly rapport with her neighbors and the customers at the liquor store next door. Freddie lived with her granddaughter, Rashanda at the time of her death.

On March 30, 2018, Freddie Brandon’s granddaughter, Rashanda, returned home and found her grandmother unresponsive. At 4:00 p.m., the Los Angeles Police Department arrived on the scene and responded to a cardiac arrest call. Freddie’s apartment appeared to be ransacked, including a dresser that was knocked over and a back door screen that appeared to be cut. Many of Freddie’s belongings were thrown around the apartment. However, police do not believe anything was stolen, and a motive remains unknown.

When Rashanda called the police, she thought her grandmother may have suffered trauma to the head. By 4:36 p.m., Freddie was pronounced deceased. At the time of her death, Freddie was using a walker and had been put on a pacemaker. Her daughter, Mia, told local news outlets that her mother would not have been able to defend herself. An autopsy was performed, and it was determined that Freddie died from asphyxia from ligature strangulation. On April 8, 2018, Freddie’s family and friends held a vigil in her honor.

Where the case stands today.

Freddie’s case remains unsolved, but her family is demanding answers. If you have any information regarding the murder of Freddie Brandon, please contact the Los Angeles Police Department at (323) 786-5113. Alternatively, you can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477, and remain anonymous.