Officials have identified 17-year-old Martha Odom as the fatal victim in Thursday’s shooting at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge. She was a senior at Ascension Episcopal School in Youngsville.
Read everything we know about Martha Odom
“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,” the school wrote in a Facebook post.
Two other Ascension students were also injured in the shooting that was described as a gunfight between two groups that erupted about 2 p.m. in the mall’s food court.
A spokesperson said the school is “heartbroken by the news that some of our students were involved in a serious off-campus incident.
“We ask our community to join us in holding our school in prayer during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement said. “Out of deep respect for the families and the sensitivity of this situation, we will not be sharing additional details at this time. Our priority is the care of our students and school family.”
Martha was among a group of Ascension seniors who were at the mall for “Senior Skip Day” on Thursday. Baton Rouge Police Chief TJ Morse described them as “innocent victims that got caught in the crossfire.”
A massive presence of local, state and federal law enforcement officials could be seen swarming surrounding areas of the mall Thursday afternoon.
Two other Ascension students were also injured in the shooting that was described as a gunfight between two groups that erupted about 2 p.m. in the mall’s food court. Five suspects have so far been taken into custody, according to Baton Rouge Police. The teen was one of six total victims injured during the shooting.
As of 9:40 a.m. Friday one victim is still in critical condition and four are in stable condition.
Odom was transported to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital, where doctors were unable to successfully perform emergency surgery.
A spokesperson for Ascension Episcopal School said in a statement the school is “heartbroken by the news that some of our students were involved in a serious off-campus incident.”
“We ask our community to join us in holding our school in prayer during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement said. “Out of deep respect for the families and the sensitivity of this situation, we will not be sharing additional details at this time. Our priority is the care of our students and school family.”