Deion’Dre Benjamin, a young 24-year-old man from St. Martinville, Louisiana, tragically lost his life in a fatal shooting that took place on a night marked by community celebration and school spirit. The incident unfolded near St. Martinville High School, casting a devastating shadow over the highly anticipated homecoming football game. The excitement of Friday night quickly turned to horror for students, families, and residents gathered to celebrate, as news of the shooting spread across the stadium. Benjamin’s untimely death not only shocked those who knew him but also resonated deeply within the entire St. Martinville community, as they grappled with the loss of a young life so violently taken.
The suspect, identified as 22-year-old Zackyric Gardner, also from St. Martinville, was apprehended shortly after the tragic event. Authorities were able to locate Gardner in Texas, where he was traveling as a passenger in a vehicle. He has since been taken into custody and charged with second-degree murder in connection to Benjamin’s death. The St. Martinville Police Department has continued its investigation into the events leading up to the shooting and has indicated that they are actively pursuing further leads, with the expectation of additional arrests as the case unfolds.
Details surrounding the motive remain unclear, but the police are methodically working to piece together the chain of events that led to the fatal confrontation. They are examining witness testimonies, security footage, and physical evidence from the scene to bring clarity and justice to this senseless tragedy. While investigators work to gather more information, the St. Martinville community mourns Benjamin’s loss and contends with the fear and grief that now clouds what should have been a joyous celebration of school spirit.
Benjamin’s passing has left a profound void for his friends and family, who describe him as a beloved son, friend, and community member. Those close to him remember his vibrant personality and the deep impact he had on those around him. The sorrow is palpable in the streets of St. Martinville, where residents have shown an outpouring of support for Benjamin’s family, organizing vigils and gatherings to honor his memory and to collectively process the grief and shock brought on by his death.
As the investigation into the tragic shooting continues, community leaders, law enforcement, and local residents are calling for an end to violence that continues to plague their neighborhoods. St. Martinville, a town marked by close-knit bonds and shared histories, now faces the painful task of healing and finding ways to support one another in the wake of such senseless violence.
