A St. Martinville man has been arrested in Texas for a hit-and-run murder

St. MARTIN PARISH — The St. Martinville Police Department has announced the arrest of 22-year-old Zakiric Gardner in connection with a shooting that occurred during a St. Martinville High School reunion. Gardner, of St. Martinville, was arrested in Texas after an arrest warrant was issued for second-degree murder. The arrest came after a coordinated law enforcement effort along the I-10 corridor that led to Gardner being identified 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 with bail set at an unprecedented $10 million. St. Martinville police emphasized that this significant bond serves as a statement by the city and parish against violent acts, especially those that occur during public events such as school functions.

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

St. Martinville police are urging anyone with additional information, including cell phone footage taken that night, to come forward to help with the investigation. The community is encouraged to contact St. Martinville Police 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 to ensure safety at school events. High connectivity is seen as a deterrent and a message to those who might harm public space.

In the course of the investigation, additional details regarding the circumstances of the event may appear. For now, the community hopes to heal from the tragedy, hoping that justice will bring accountability for those affected.

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