the shooting at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge remains under active investigation after police confirmed Friday that one suspect has been arrested and another is wanted. Governor Jeff Landry joined Baton Rouge police and State Police on Friday afternoon for an update on the shooting, as officials outlined charges, victim information, and the search for additional people connected to the case. The shooting left 17-year-old Martha Odom dead and another victim in critical condition.
Arrest, charges, and the search that continues
Police Chief TJ Morse said Markel Lee, 17, turned himself in and was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. He is facing first-degree murder, five counts of attempted first-degree murder, and one count of illegal use of a weapon. Officials also said a second suspect is still wanted, and a photo has been released as investigators continue to identify that person.
The shooting is being treated as a targeted confrontation rather than a random attack. Morse said two groups met at the mall, exchanged words, and then pulled guns, with innocent people caught in the middle. He said the incident began as a social media dispute, but it is still too early to know whether there is any tie to gang-related activity.
Victims and immediate reaction from officials
Authorities identified Martha Odom, 17, of Lafayette, as the teenager killed in the shooting. another victim remains in critical condition. Odom was later identified as a senior at Ascension Episcopal School in Youngsville, and the school community has already begun mourning her loss.
Governor Jeff Landry used the update to press for a broader response. He said he is asking legislators for a full review of sentencing laws and said judges who repeatedly release offenders will be held accountable. Landry also said authorities should prepare a targeted warrant sweep focused on the neighborhoods where the suspects are from and anyone connected to the incident.
Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards called the violence a senseless act that took the life of a precious 17-year-old and wounded several others. State Senator Rick Edmonds said the community is praying for the families and wants the violence to stop. Their comments reflected the shock that has spread through Baton Rouge and beyond since the shooting.
What police say happened inside the mall
Morse said the people detained on Thursday were later released, although they may face charges at a later time. He said those individuals were persons of interest who refused to answer questions, asked for lawyers, and could not currently be held. Police are still weighing whether other people may be charged as the investigation moves forward.
The public update came as authorities continued to sort through the timeline of the shooting, the relationship between the people involved, and the role of the wanted suspect. Officials have not said when they expect to announce additional arrests.
What comes next
For now, the case centers on one arrest, one still-wanted suspect, and a growing list of questions about how the shooting unfolded in a crowded public place. Investigators are expected to keep pressing forward as police review evidence, follow up on leads, and examine possible charges for others connected to the case. The shooting has already triggered calls for tougher action, and Friday’s update showed that the response from law enforcement and state leaders is only beginning.
