State Watch

Arrest made in Mall of Louisiana shooting, one suspect still wanted

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by Bria Gremillion and Trinity Velazquez - 04/25/26 7:32 AM ET

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by Bria Gremillion and Trinity Velazquez - 04/25/26 7:32 AM ET

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The Baton Rouge Police Department announced an arrest in connection with the deadly shooting at the Mall of Louisiana during a press conference on Friday. Another suspect is still wanted by police.

Baton Rouge Police Chief TJ Morse said Markel Lee, 17, turned himself in Friday. He was charged with first-degree murder, five counts of attempted first-degree murder, and illegal use of a weapon.

A high school girl was killed and five others were injured in the shooting.

On Thursday, Morse confirmed that the violence did not appear to be a random act but rather stemmed from a disagreement between two separate groups of people. The confrontation then escalated into gunfire, he said, with innocent bystanders getting caught in the crossfire.

The Baton Rouge Police Department announced 17-year-old Markel Lee turned himself in on Friday, April 24 in connection with the deadly shooting at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge. (BRPD)

Morse said another person is wanted in connection with the shooting. The other subjects who were detained on Thursday have been released, for now, pending further investigation.

The Baton Rouge Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating an individual they believe is tied to a deadly shooting at the Mall of Louisiana. (BRPD)

East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Sid Gautreaux recognized the actions of civilians and mall employees who stepped in to provide first aid before first responders arrived.

“As more units arrived, deputies helped secure the scene and establish a perimeter. Multiple divisions responded, including SWAT, air support, gang intelligence, homicide, patrol and community policing. We also had helicopters and drones in the air assisting with operations,” the sheriff said.

Mall shooting victim identified

The victim killed in the shooting was identified as Martha Odom, a senior attending Ascension Episcopal School in Lafayette Parish. Two other students enrolled at the school were wounded in the shooting.

Morse said Donnie Guillory, a 43-year-old male, is still in the hospital, undergoing surgery, and is in critical condition.

The mayor said he has personally reached out to victims and their families to offer condolences and support. City officials are also working with Capital Area Human Services to provide mental health resources for those affected.

Governor calls for review of sentencing laws

Gov. Jeff Landry (R) called the violence “deeply troubling” and vowed accountability at every level.

The governor said judges should prioritize public safety and impose serious consequences for violent crimes. He said he would publicly call out judges who release violent offenders back into the community.

Landry is now asking for a review of Louisiana’s sentencing laws and for targeted warrant sweeps focused on individuals connected to the shooting and related criminal activity.

“We are drawing the line,” Landry said. “We are going to protect innocent lives.”

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