TPSO Arrests Three Suspects in Connection with Fatal Shooting on Bayou Gardens Boulevard
September 18, 2025 – Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana — A swift and coordinated investigation by the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) has led to the arrest of three suspects in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred earlier this week on Bayou Gardens Boulevard in Houma.
The incident, which rocked the local community, left one person dead and sent shockwaves through the quiet residential neighborhood. After days of intensive investigation and inter-agency collaboration, TPSO announced on Thursday that all three suspects believed to be involved in the fatal shooting are now in custody.
Suspects Identified and Arrested
Sheriff Tim Soignet confirmed the following arrests:
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Kendell Michael Gale, 27, of Vacherie
Gale was arrested at his residence in Vacherie with the assistance of the St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team. Authorities say Gale was considered armed and dangerous, and the arrest was carried out without incident in the early morning hours. -
Nicholas Anthony Chopin, 19, of Geismar
Chopin was taken into custody in Ascension Parish after being tracked through investigative leads developed by TPSO detectives. He was later transported to Terrebonne Parish for questioning. -
Joshua Joseph Domino, 18, of Vacherie
Domino was arrested shortly after Gale during a separate operation. He is believed to have played a direct role in the incident and is facing multiple charges.
All three suspects are currently being held in Terrebonne Parish Criminal Justice Complex, awaiting bond hearings. The charges include first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and illegal use of a firearm during a violent crime.
Details of the Incident
The fatal shooting occurred on the evening of September 15, 2025, just before 9:00 p.m., in the 2100 block of Bayou Gardens Boulevard. Residents reported hearing multiple gunshots and called 911. Responding deputies arrived to find a male victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The victim’s identity has not yet been officially released pending notification of next of kin.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing a dark-colored vehicle fleeing the area shortly after the shooting. Surveillance footage collected from local homes and businesses provided critical leads that helped investigators identify the suspects and trace their movements across parish lines.
Investigation and Multi-Agency Effort
Sheriff Soignet credited the arrests to the “tireless efforts” of TPSO detectives and the support of multiple law enforcement partners, including the St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, and members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force.
“These arrests are the result of strong collaboration between parishes and relentless investigative work,” said Sheriff Soignet. “This was a senseless act of violence, and we made it a top priority to bring those responsible to justice quickly.”
TPSO also thanked the public for their cooperation, stating that several tips from the community helped accelerate the investigation.
Community Reaction
The fatal shooting and subsequent investigation have left many Houma residents shaken. Bayou Gardens Boulevard is known as a family-friendly area, and violent crime is relatively rare in the neighborhood.
Community members gathered on Wednesday evening for a candlelight vigil, organized by local faith leaders and neighborhood watch groups, to honor the life of the victim and call for peace.
“We are heartbroken,” said Reverend James LeBlanc, who spoke at the vigil. “But we are thankful that our local law enforcement acted quickly and didn’t let this go unanswered.”
Next Steps
As of Thursday evening, TPSO detectives are continuing to build the case and conduct forensic examinations of evidence recovered from the suspects’ homes and vehicles. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional arrests or charges.
Sheriff Soignet urged anyone with further information related to the case — including possible motives or connections between the suspects and the victim — to come forward.
“Justice does not end with arrests,” he added. “We are committed to seeing this case through with integrity and determination.”
Tipsters can contact the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 876-2500, or anonymously report information through Crime Stoppers Bayou Region.
Closing Thoughts
The tragic loss of life on Bayou Gardens Boulevard serves as a stark reminder of the challenges local communities face in combating gun violence. But with swift, coordinated law enforcement efforts and public cooperation, justice remains within reach.
As the investigation continues, Terrebonne Parish residents are reminded to remain vigilant and to support each other in the face of tragedy.
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