BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana AMBER Alert system, a critical tool for galvanizing the public in the most dangerous child abduction cases, recently proved its effectiveness in New Orleans, leading to the safe recovery of a 5-month-old infant. While the child is no longer in danger, the suspect in the case remains at large, prompting an ongoing manhunt.
The most recent statewide alert was issued by the Louisiana State Police on behalf of the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) on October 22, 2025. The alert was for 5-month-old Braylon Parker, who was taken from a residence in New Orleans.
According to NOPD reports, the incident began when the child’s non-custodial father, identified as Braydon Nix, arrived at the home and allegedly assaulted the child’s mother. Following the assault, Nix fled the scene on foot with the infant.
The activation of the AMBER Alert system sent a notification to cell phones, broadcast media, and digital highway signs across the region, providing descriptions of the infant and the suspect. The system is designed to leverage the public as the “eyes and ears” of law enforcement in the critical first hours of an abduction.
Less than 24 hours later, on October 23, 2025, authorities announced the alert had been officially cancelled. NOPD confirmed that Braylon Parker had been located and was safe.
However, the case is not closed. As of early November 2025, the suspect, Braydon Nix, is still at large and is actively being sought by law enforcement. Nix is wanted by the NOPD on multiple charges, including simple kidnapping, simple robbery, and domestic abuse battery. Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any information on his whereabouts.
This incident was the second major AMBER Alert activation in Louisiana in recent weeks. On September 30, 2025, an alert was issued from Tangipahoa Parish for 2-year-old Christopher Cooper. That alert was also cancelled the following day, October 1, after the child was found safe.
Understanding the AMBER Alert Criteria
The recent successful recoveries have highlighted the power of the AMBER Alert system, which is managed by the Louisiana State Police (LSP). However, authorities often receive questions about why alerts are not issued for all missing children.
The system has strict, federally-guided criteria that must be met to preserve the alert’s effectiveness and prevent “public fatigue,” where residents become desensitized to frequent, less critical alerts. For an AMBER Alert to be activated in Louisiana, law enforcement must confirm the following:
- An Abduction Has Occurred: There must be a reasonable belief by law enforcement that a real abduction, as defined by law, has taken place. It is not used for typical runaway cases or most custody disputes.
- Imminent Danger: The law enforcement agency must believe the child (aged 17 or younger) is in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death.
- Sufficient Descriptive Information: There must be enough descriptive information about the child, the suspect, or the suspect’s vehicle to make a public broadcast effective. An alert is not activated if there is no description to provide to the public.
- NCIC Entry: The child’s information must be entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database.
This high standard ensures that when an alert is issued, the public understands it is a situation of extreme and immediate danger.
The Public’s Role in a Live Alert
When the public receives an AMBER Alert, law enforcement emphasizes that they should not take direct action themselves. The role of a citizen is to be an observant witness.
Authorities advise anyone who spots a child, suspect, or vehicle matching an AMBER Alert description to immediately call 911 or the specific law enforcement number provided in the alert. Providing details such as a location, time, and direction of travel can be invaluable to investigators.
While the alert for Braylon Parker is over, the NOPD’s investigation continues as they search for Braydon Nix. Anyone with information on his location is urged to contact the New Orleans Police Department or Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans.
People Also Ask
What is a Louisiana AMBER Alert?
A Louisiana AMBER Alert is an emergency response system used by law enforcement, in partnership with broadcasters and the public, to disseminate information rapidly about a child abduction where the child is believed to be in imminent danger.
Is there an active AMBER Alert in Louisiana right now?
As of November 7, 2025, there are no active AMBER Alerts in Louisiana. The most recent alerts for Braylon Parker (October) and Christopher Cooper (September) have both been cancelled, and the children were recovered safely.
What happened in the recent New Orleans AMBER Alert?
On October 22, 2025, 5-month-old Braylon Parker was abducted by his non-custodial father, Braydon Nix, after Nix allegedly assaulted the child’s mother. An AMBER Alert was issued.
Was the baby Braylon Parker found?
Yes, Braylon Parker was located and confirmed to be safe on October 23, 2025, and the AMBER Alert was cancelled.
Is the suspect Braydon Nix in custody?
No. As of early November 2025, Braydon Nix remains at large. He is wanted by the New Orleans Police Department on charges including simple kidnapping and domestic abuse battery.
What are the criteria for an AMBER Alert in Louisiana?
To issue an AMBER Alert, law enforcement must confirm: 1) A child (17 or younger) has been abducted, 2) The child is in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death, and 3) There is enough descriptive information to help the public find the child or suspect.
Why don’t all missing children get an AMBER Alert?
The AMBER Alert system is reserved only for the most critical cases of abduction where a child is in immediate, life-threatening danger. It is not designed for runaway cases or most parental custody disputes, as overuse would make the alerts less effective.
What is the difference between an AMBER Alert and a Silver Alert?
An AMBER Alert is for an abducted child (17 or younger) in imminent danger. A Silver Alert is a public notification system for a missing person, typically a senior citizen (65 or older) or any adult with a diagnosed mental impairment, who is reported missing.
What should I do if I receive an AMBER Alert on my phone?
Read the alert carefully. Be vigilant and look for the described child, suspect, or vehicle. If you see them, do not approach. Immediately call 911 or the number listed in the alert and report what you saw, your location, and the direction of travel.
Who activates an AMBER Alert in Louisiana?
A local law enforcement agency investigates and confirms the case meets the strict criteria. They then formally request the activation, which is issued and disseminated statewide by the Louisiana State Police (LSP).
