ST. MARTIN PARISH — The St. Martinville Police Department announced the arrest of Zackyric Gardner, 22, in connection with a homicide that occurred at the St. Martinville High School homecoming game. Gardner, a St. Martinville resident, was arrested in Texas after a warrant was issued for second-degree murder. The arrest followed a coordinated law enforcement effort along the I-10 corridor that resulted in Gardner being identified as a passenger in a vehicle stopped by Texas authorities.

Gardner has since been transported back to St. Martin Parish, where he was booked into the parish jail with bail set at an unprecedented $10 million. St. Martinville Police emphasized that this substantial connection serves as a statement by the city and parish against acts of violence, particularly those that take place at community events, such as school functions.

“This bail amount shows that Saint-Martinville and the surrounding community will not tolerate this type of violence, particularly during events bringing together families and young people,” said a department spokesperson. The shooting at the high school’s 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 taken that night, to come forward to assist in the investigation. The community is encouraged to contact St. Martinville Police Department detectives directly at (337) 394-3001.

The 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 bond is seen as a deterrent and a message to those who might harm community spaces.

As the investigation continues, more details may be revealed about the circumstances surrounding the incident. For now, the community seeks to recover from this tragedy, in the hope that justice will allow those affected to move on.

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