Mall of Louisiana closes in respect for shooting victims
Mall of Louisiana closed Friday to honor victims and families affected by the shooting.
Event / Security
Baton Rouge Mall Shooting
A shooting at Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge on April 24, 2026, resulted in one fatality and five injuries. A 17-year-old suspect was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder. Authorities are searching for a second suspect. The incident is believed to be connected to gang disputes and social media conflicts.
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2026-08-18 to 2026-11-15 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 25 Apr, 02:37 UTC
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What happened
17-year-old girl killed in shooting at Mall of Louisiana food court
Martha Odom, a 17-year-old senior at Ascension Episcopal School in Lafayette, Louisiana, was killed in a shooting that occurred in the food court of the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge on Thursday afternoon just before 1:30 p.m. The shooting involved two groups that had gotten into a disagreement and resulted in multiple casualties.
Five individuals initially detained and released pending investigation
Five people were taken into custody on Thursday following the shooting. All were released on Friday pending further investigation, according to Police Chief T.J. Morse.
Investigators examining gang-related and social media elements in shooting
Police Chief T.J. Morse stated that detectives are investigating whether the shooting was gang-related and whether it involved social media conflicts between the groups involved. One firearm was recovered at the scene, though investigators believe handguns were used in the incident.
17-year-old suspect arrested and charged with first-degree murder
Markel Lee, a 17-year-old, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, five counts of attempted first-degree murder, and one count of illegal use of a firearm in connection with the Mall of Louisiana shooting. Lee turned himself in to police on Friday with his attorney.
Five other people wounded in Mall of Louisiana shooting
Five people were wounded when gunfire broke out during the altercation in the food court. Among the injured was a 43-year-old man, Donnie Guillory, who remained in critical condition and underwent surgery. Two of the wounded were students from Ascension Episcopal School.
Second suspect in shooting remains at large
Police are searching for a second suspect wanted in connection with the Mall of Louisiana shooting. Authorities released a photo of the individual and are asking for public assistance in locating them.
Mall of Louisiana closed Friday out of respect for victims
The Mall of Louisiana announced it would be closed on Friday following the shooting. The mall released a statement expressing deepest sympathies to everyone impacted by the incident, describing it as a senseless act of violence.
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2 alternative perspectives
Second Suspect Remains At Large After Mall Shooting
Second shooting suspect remains at large as first arrest made in mall incident.