The sole fatality in a Louisiana mall shooting that left at least five others injured has been identified as 17-year-old Martha Odom, a private school student. Odom, a senior at Ascension Episcopal School in Youngsville, was killed on Thursday afternoon at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge after being caught in crossfire when two groups began shooting at each other, authorities said.
She had been visiting the mall with friends for a senior skip day just weeks before her graduation from the $19,500-a-year institution. Police reported that the shooting started shortly after 1:20 p.m. when a dispute escalated and multiple individuals opened fire. Odom sustained a gunshot wound to the chest and later died, according to the coroner's office. Two of her classmates were also struck and are recovering, while another victim, Donnie Guillory, remains in critical condition.
Arrest Made in Connection with Shooting
On Friday, Baton Rouge police announced the arrest of 17-year-old Markel Lee in connection with the incident. Police Chief TJ Morse stated that Lee turned himself in and was booked on one count of first-degree murder, five counts of attempted first-degree murder, and illegal use of a weapon. Authorities have indicated that additional individuals may have been involved and released an image of a suspect as the investigation intensifies.
The scale of the response underscored the severity of the attack. Local police were joined by the FBI, SWAT teams, the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office, and state troopers as the mall was locked down. Shoppers were escorted out in waves, some guided through back corridors and service tunnels. Witnesses described scenes of confusion and horror, with officers carrying children to safety and bystanders attempting to stop the bleeding of the wounded.
One mall employee told local media she initially mistook the gunfire for fireworks. She said she saw victims collapse and grabbed cleaning cloths to press against wounds as blood pooled across the floor. 'It's not even safe to go to the mall,' Youngsville Mayor Ken Ritter said in the aftermath, capturing the shock rippling across communities.
Victim Remembered as Talented Student and Athlete
Odom was a writer, dancer, and student leader. She was weeks away from graduation and preparing to attend Sewanee: The University of the South, where she planned to study English and creative writing. She captained her school's girls' soccer team, edited the student newspaper, and taught younger dancers at her studio. She had already earned recognition for her writing, taking first place in the Lafayette Public Library's 2025 Writes of Spring contest and placing again this year. She planned to spend her final summer before college at Ballet Austin's prestigious summer intensive.
In the wake of her death, her school community has been left reeling. Classmates gathered for a prayer service, leaving flowers in her parking spot. 'Her classmates, Ascension faculty, and our Blue Gator families remember Martha as a joyful presence whose kindness and infectious enthusiasm brought light to all who knew her,' the school said in a statement shared on social media. Three of the victims in the shooting were seniors at the school, Lafayette Mayor-President Monique Blanco Boulet confirmed.
Odom's writing now reads with haunting clarity. In one student newspaper piece, she reflected on journalism and the courage it demands, including the 'grit' required to uncover truth and the importance of resisting silence. In another, she shared lighter observations about music, friendships, and the small joys of everyday life. During a recent spring break trip to New York City, she wrote about attending a New York Rangers game and seeing Broadway productions, including The Outsiders and Cats.
Community and Officials React
Her family, including her parents and younger sister, are now grappling with the loss. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, who said her family had known the Odoms for decades, expressed her grief publicly. 'There are no words for the devastating loss of innocent life,' Murrill wrote. 'I'm praying for her, her family and friends, and the entire Lafayette community during this heartbreaking time.'
Baton Rouge Bishop Michael Duca said: 'Our prayers are with those who were critically injured, all who were harmed, and every family whose lives have been suddenly and painfully shaken by this act of violence, especially those who have lost a loved one.' Political leaders across the state echoed those sentiments, while also demanding accountability. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said he was coordinating with law enforcement. US Senator Bill Cassidy thanked first responders and expressed hope for the recovery of the injured.
Mayor Sid Edwards credited the rapid police response with preventing further loss of life. 'We will catch you,' he said, addressing those responsible. 'We're not having this in Baton Rouge.' The tragedy unfolded just days after another mass killing in Louisiana, intensifying concerns about escalating violence across the state.
