Gruesome Homicide in New Iberia Sparks Viral Police Chase; Shocking Allegations Surface

NEW IBERIA, La. – What began as a routine welfare check in New Iberia quickly escalated into a wild, multi-parish police pursuit and a homicide investigation now surrounded by disturbing allegations of long-term abuse.

On the morning of Saturday, April 12, just before 9 a.m., officers with the New Iberia Police Department responded to a welfare concern at a residence in the 200 block of Pollard Avenue. Upon arrival, authorities discovered a deceased male inside the home. His identity has not been officially released, according to KLFY News.

As part of the investigation, officers noted that the victim’s vehicle was missing from the scene. A short time later, at approximately 10:19 a.m., the vehicle was located in the area of West Main Street and Landry Drive. When officers attempted a traffic stop, the driver fled, launching a high-speed chase that spanned from New Iberia into St. Martin Parish.

A video of that wild chase can be seen below.

KLFY reports that the pursuit ended on Poydras Place in Breaux Bridge after officers successfully disabled the vehicle. The driver, identified as 36-year-old Marklin Reaux, was taken into custody without incident.

Reaux has since been booked into the Iberia Parish Jail on multiple charges, including first-degree murder, violation of protective orders, possession of Schedule I and II narcotics, aggravated flight from an officer, and theft of a motor vehicle. His bond has been set at $10.145 million.

In a statement to KLFY, Reaux’s sister, Markisha Adams, claimed the killing stemmed from years of alleged sexual abuse inflicted on her brother by the victim. “He raped him for days, he raped him for years, and this was his pain, all lashing out at one person. This was self-defense,” Adams said in an emotional interview, asking the public for prayers as the family navigates the aftermath.

Authorities have not commented on the allegations of abuse. The investigation remains ongoing, with assistance from multiple agencies, including the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office, Breaux Bridge Police Department, and the Iberia Parish Coroner’s Office.

The case has received considerable public attention, which was further amplified by a viral video posted by local resident Derek Angelle. The video captured the tail end of the high-speed chase and spread rapidly across social media.

Officials have not yet released the name of the deceased pending family notification, and further details are expected as the investigation unfolds.