A former St. Gabriel police officer has been sentenced to 35 years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter in the 2023 shooting death of Dylan Martin.
Andre Redditt, 30, of St. Gabriel, entered the guilty plea July 15 during the second day of his trial, according to 21st Judicial District Attorney Scott Perrilloux.
Livingston Parish sheriff’s deputies responded shortly after midnight March 2, 2023, to a triggered security system at the Denham Springs home of Redditt’s estranged wife. Deputies found Martin, who had been shot multiple times.
Investigators determined Redditt entered the home without permission and encountered Martin with his estranged wife in a bedroom, Perrilloux said. Martin was unarmed.
Testimony presented during the trial indicated Redditt fired six rounds, shooting Martin several times in the bedroom and again as Martin moved down a hallway in an attempt to escape the home. The Livingston Parish coroner testified that five projectiles were recovered from Martin’s body.
Redditt claimed he acted in self-defense, but Perrilloux said the evidence showed Redditt was the aggressor.
Prosecutors presented testimony from law enforcement officers, forensic personnel, and the coroner during the two-day trial. Redditt then withdrew his not guilty plea and pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
Judge Jeff Johnson imposed the 35-year sentence.
Perrilloux credited the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Livingston Parish Coroner’s Office, and the prosecution team led by Assistant District Attorney Greg Murphy for their work on the case.
“This sentence holds the defendant accountable for a senseless killing and sends a clear message that no one is above the law,” Perrilloux said. “Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of Dylan Martin as they continue to grieve this loss.”
