St. Martinville man arrested in Texas for Homecoming murder

ST. MARTIN PARISH – St. Martinville Police have announced the arrest of 22-year-old Zackyric Gardner in connection with a murder that occurred at St. Martinville Senior High School’s home game. Gardner, a St. Martinville resident, was arrested in Texas after a manslaughter warrant was issued. The arrest follows a coordinated effort by law enforcement agencies along the I-10 corridor, which identified Gardner as a passenger in a vehicle stopped by Texas authorities.

Gardner has since been returned to St. Martin Parish, where he was booked into the parish jail on an unprecedented $10 million bond. The St. Martinville Police Department emphasized that this substantial bond serves as a statement by the city and parish against acts of violence, especially those that occur at community events, such as school events.

“This bond amount demonstrates that St. Martinville and the surrounding community will not tolerate this type of violence, especially at events where families and youth gather,” a department spokesperson said. The shooting incident during the high school homecoming game shocked many in the community, raising concerns about safety at school events.

St. Martinville police are urging anyone with additional information, including cell phone videos from that evening, to come forward to assist in the investigation. The community is encouraged to contact St. Martinville Police Department detectives directly at (337) 394-3001.

This arrest is part of a broader effort by local police and community leaders to address growing concerns about violence in public spaces and ensure safety at school events. The high band is seen as a deterrent and a message to those who could cause harm to the community space.

As the investigation continues, more details may emerge about the circumstances surrounding the incident. For now, the community appears to be healing from the tragedy, hoping that justice will bring closure to those affected.

If you have any information or recordings from the night of the incident, please contact St. Martinville Police Department detectives at 337-394-3001.