St. Martinville man arrested in Texas for homecoming murder

ST. MARTIN PARISH – The St. Martinville Police Department announced the arrest of 22-year-old Zakirik Gardner in connection with a homicide that occurred during the St. Martinville Senior High School homecoming game. Gardner, a St. Martinville resident, was detained in Texas after an arrest 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 held in the parish jail with bail set at an unprecedented $10 million. St. Martinville Police emphasized that this significant connection serves as a statement by the city and parish against violent acts, especially those that occur at public events such as school functions.

“This bail amount shows 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. A shooting incident during a school homecoming match has shocked many community members, raising concerns about safety at school events.

St. Martinville Police are urging anyone with additional information, including cell phone video from that night, to come forward and help with 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 places and ensure safety at school events. High connectivity is seen as a deterrent and a message to those who might cause harm to public spaces.

As the investigation continues, more details about the circumstances surrounding the incident may become available. For now, the community is hoping to heal from the tragedy, hoping that justice will bring peace to those affected.

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