Joyful senior weeks from graduation killed in Louisiana mall shooting
Joyful senior weeks from graduation killed in Louisiana mall shooting
A 17-year-old Lafayette student was killed in a Baton Rouge mall shooting; six others wounded as police pursue a second suspect and uncover motive.
A 17-year-old Lafayette student has been identified as the person killed in a mall shooting in Baton Rouge. Martha Odom, a senior at Ascension Episcopal School, was weeks away from graduation and visiting the Mall of Louisiana for a 'senior skip day' when two armed individuals began firing at each other in the food court. Odom was struck by gunfire in the chest and died, according to a coroner's report. The school later remembered Odom as a joyful presence whose kindness and infectious enthusiasm brought light to all who knew her.
Six people were wounded in the shooting, including at least three Ascension Episcopal students. Five people were taken into custody after the incident but were released. Baton Rouge Police Chief TJ Morse said a 17-year-old suspect, Markel Lee, turned himself in and was charged with first-degree murder, among other charges. Police are still seeking a second suspect and have asked the public for help locating the individual. Louisiana officials also confirmed that a 43-year-old man wounded in the shooting remained hospitalized in critical condition.
Odom was active in her school life; she captained the girls' soccer team, served as an editor at the school newspaper, and taught at a dance studio outside of class. She was set to attend Sewanee, also known as the University of the South. The community remains focused on supporting those affected while investigators piece together what happened and how to prevent future violence in public spaces.
