A 17-year-old girl tragically lost her life in a shooting at the Mall of Louisiana, described by authorities as an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire.
BATON ROUGE, La. — In a shocking turn of events at the Mall of Louisiana, a 17-year-old was fatally shot during a confrontation between two groups that spiraled into a gunfight. Officials have confirmed she was not involved in the altercation but was inadvertently caught up in the violence.
The victim, identified as Martha Odom, attended Ascension Episcopal School in Youngsville. She succumbed to her injuries at the hospital after undergoing emergency surgery, as reported by WWL. Two other students from her school also sustained injuries in the shooting.
Additionally, a 43-year-old man remains in critical condition, according to police updates provided during a news conference held on Friday.
The violent incident began in the food court of the Baton Rouge mall when an argument between two groups erupted into a gunfight, authorities explained.
Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas Morse Jr. emphasized that Odom and her fellow students were merely innocent bystanders with no ties to the initial conflict that led to the shooting.
During Friday’s press conference, Baton Rouge Mayor Sid Edwards shared scripture that Odom posted on social media just days ago before she lost her life in the shooting.
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity?” Edwards shared, added that “Martha’s powerful worlds should do just that — unite this community.”
Arrest in Mall of Louisiana mass shooting, search for more suspects
Chief Morse announced Friday the arrest of 17-year-old Markel Lee in connection with the mass shooting. Lee has been charged with first degree murder and five counts of attempted first degree murder. Authorities also shared the photo of another individual who they are searching for in connection with the case.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry put some of the blame on the suspect’s parents.
“The beginning of this failure was at home,” Landry said Friday.
‘Targeted Shooting’
While five people were taken into custody after the deadly mass shooting, police said Friday that others detained in this case — besides Lee — have been released for now.
Morse said the shooting appears to have been targeted and started after an argument between two groups of people in the food court around 1:22 p.m. on Thursday.
Six people were shot, according to investigators. Of the five survivors, one remains in a serious condition. Four others were treated for minor injuries.
The mall was placed on lockdown following Thursday’s gunfire. Investigators are still working to determine how those in custody are connected to the shooting.
The Mall of Louisiana remained closed on Friday. In a statement posted to Facebook, mall officials said the closure is out of respect for those affected by the violence.
“Our deepest sympathies are with everyone who was impacted by the senseless act of violence that took place here today,” the statement said. “Out of respect for the victims, Mall of Louisiana will be closed Friday, April 24, 2026.”
Officials said information about retrieving personal belongings left at the mall and future operating hours will be shared as it becomes available.
