A 17-year-old girl who lost her life in a shooting at the Mall of Louisiana has been identified as an unintended victim, caught in gunfire sparked by a dispute between two groups, officials said.
The victim, Martha Odom, was a student at Ascension Episcopal School in Youngsville. She died in the hospital after undergoing emergency surgery. Authorities confirmed that two of her classmates were also among those injured in the incident.
Police reported that the violence broke out Thursday afternoon in the mall’s food court after an argument escalated into a shooting. Six people were struck by gunfire. While most victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries, one adult remains in critical condition.
Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas Morse Jr. stated that Odom and her friends had no involvement in the confrontation and were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
On Friday, officers announced the arrest of 17-year-old Markel Lee, who now faces charges including first-degree murder and multiple counts of attempted murder. Investigators are also searching for another individual believed to be connected to the case.
Authorities initially detained several people, but most have since been released as the investigation continues. Officials described the shooting as a targeted incident stemming from a personal conflict.
Following the tragedy, the mall was placed on lockdown and remained closed the next day as a mark of respect for the victims. Officials say more details will be shared as the investigation develops.