Markel Lee, a 17-year-old with a prior juvenile criminal history, turned himself in Friday and was arrested as the primary suspect in the deadly Mall of Louisiana food court shooting that killed Lafayette high school senior Martha Elizabeth Odom and wounded five others.
According to WDSU, Lee is being charged with “first-degree murder, five counts of attempted first-degree murder, and one count of illegal use of a weapon.” He has been booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.
About the shooting
One person was killed and five others were injured in a shooting at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge on Thursday after gunfire broke out between two groups. The incident occurred around 1:22 p.m. near the mall’s food court.
“This was not a random act. This was a disagreement, a fight between two different groups of people that we are still trying to unravel,” Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas Morse Jr. said. “And unfortunately, innocent victims got caught in the crossfire.”
Suspects
Five individuals were initially detained following the shooting on Thursday but were later released. Lee turned himself in the following day. Police are also searching for another suspect believed to be connected to the incident.
Victim
Martha Elizabeth Odom, a senior at Ascension Episcopal School, was identified as the victim in the shooting.
The coroner’s office ruled her death a homicide, confirming she died from a gunshot wound to the chest. Officials extended condolences to her family and friends.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Ascension Episcopal School mourned her loss.
“Today, our hearts are heavy.
We grieve the loss of one of our seniors, Martha Odom, following yesterday’s off-campus tragedy. We continue to lift in prayer the two students who are healing, as well as the two additional students who were present.
Ascension Episcopal School carries this cross together— we are holding one another close with an immense amount of faith and love.
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.
In the midst of sorrow, we are reminded: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from near and far. Our priority at this time is to care for the hearts and minds of our students, families, and staff.
We ask for continued prayers—for healing, for peace, and for the strength to carry one another forward.”