The tragic shooting at a high school football game has left the family of Deion’Dre Benjamin, a 24-year-old father, grappling with grief and unanswered questions. Benjamin, who was fatally shot during the St. Martinville Senior High Homecoming game, was a father to a two-year-old daughter who will now grow up without him.
The game on Friday night was expected to be a celebration for the local community. But shortly after the evening’s events began, gunshots echoed through the stands, shattering the sense of unity and leaving spectators and family members in shock. According to Wendell Benjamin, Deion’Dre’s father, he was sitting in the bleachers when he heard gunfire that he would soon discover had ended his son’s life.
“It’s extremely hard knowing that Deion’Dre’s little girl will grow up without her father,” Wendell Benjamin said. “The hardest part is that she looked up to him so much. Explaining this to her when she’s old enough—telling her she no longer has her dad—is something no parent should have to do.”
Deion’Dre’s cousin, Courtney Dugas, describes him as a hardworking, caring young man who was dedicated to his family and to providing for his daughter. Working offshore to support his family, Deion’Dre often took on the role of a family leader, participating actively in gatherings and bringing joy with his laughter and energy.
“Dre was taking good care of his daughter,” Dugas shared. “He was always there at family events, always smiling, always laughing. He was a good-hearted person who had a lot of love for his family and for life.”
For Dugas, the tragedy is made more difficult by the impact it has had on the students who attended the game, many of whom were young witnesses to a traumatic event. “My heart goes out to the students who had to experience this,” he said. “I hope they can keep pushing forward, both in school and on the field, and I hope this doesn’t overshadow what was meant to be a celebration.”
The shooting has cast a shadow over St. Martinville, with residents and community leaders expressing sorrow for the loss of a young father and the disruption of what was intended to be a safe and celebratory event. The St. Martinville Police Department, working with regional authorities, launched an immediate investigation into the shooting.
On Saturday, authorities announced the arrest of 22-year-old Zackyric Gardner of St. Martinville, who was detained in Texas on charges of second-degree murder. The arrest was part of an ongoing investigation, with police officials indicating that more arrests may follow as they piece together the events leading up to the tragic shooting. Specific motives for the attack remain unclear as authorities have not disclosed details beyond confirming that the incident appears to be targeted.
Community members have voiced their fears and frustrations over safety concerns in the area. While St. Martinville has had isolated incidents of violence in the past, the nature and setting of this recent tragedy—taking place in a community-centered high school event—has heightened concerns.
This shooting at a high school football game reflects a troubling rise in violence at public gatherings across the United States. According to a recent report by the Gun Violence Archive, which tracks gun-related incidents nationwide, 2023 has seen over 300 instances of gun violence at community events, sports venues, and schools, underscoring the need for heightened safety protocols at gatherings intended for youth and families. School and law enforcement officials are considering enhanced security measures in response to these rising concerns, though finding effective solutions remains complex.
In recent years, community advocates and national figures have called for stricter security and preventive measures in schools and public venues. While individual school districts have introduced metal detectors, security screenings, and law enforcement presences at games, solutions that balance safety with community openness continue to be debated. For many, the St. Martinville shooting stands as a grim reminder of this national issue.
As Deion’Dre’s family plans his memorial, they ask for privacy to process their grief and for support for his daughter, who will now face life without her father. Friends and family members have created a fund to assist with her future needs, and local leaders have voiced their support for the family.
The community is united in mourning as it faces a long road toward healing.
