Martha Odom Baton Rouge LA Obituary, Death: A 17-year-old student, Martha Odom, has died after being struck during a shooting at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, authorities confirmed. Odom was one of three students from Ascension Episcopal School who were hit as bystanders during the incident, which unfolded on Thursday afternoon.
According to Baton Rouge police, the violence began around 2 p.m. in the mall’s food court following a confrontation between two groups that escalated into an exchange of gunfire. Officers responded quickly to the scene and took five individuals into custody. In total, six people were injured in the shooting, with Odom being the only fatality.
School officials said the students were part of a group of five visiting the mall for a “senior skip day,” a tradition among graduating students. Two of the students were not injured, while the remaining two who were shot are reported to be recovering.
Odom was transported to a nearby hospital after the shooting, but she later died from her injuries. Her death has deeply affected the school community, prompting an outpouring of grief and support.
In a statement, Ascension Episcopal School leadership identified Odom and asked for prayers for her family, as well as for the recovery of the other injured students. Head of school Sarah Davenport said the community was “heartbroken” and emphasized the importance of coming together during the tragedy.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.