Update 4/24/2026
The East Baton Rouge Coroner’s Office released the cause of death for 17-year-old Martha Odom, one of three people shot in a recent incident. Odom died from a gunshot wound to the chest.
Gov. Jeff Landy will join State Police and Baton Rouge police for a news conference this afternoon to provide updates on the shooting.
The news conference will be streamed live.
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Three students from Ascension Episcopal School in Lafayette were among those injured during a mass shooting at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge.
"We are heartbroken by the senseless violence that happened today at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge," said Lafayette Mayor-President Monique Boulet "The victims include three seniors from Ascension Episcopal School here in Lafayette. David and I are asking the Lafayette community to join us in holding all of these families close in prayer. I am very grateful for the first responders that acted quickly this afternoon and I’ve reached out to Baton Rouge Mayor-President, Sid Edwards, to offer Lafayette’s full support in whatever way we can assist as families in both cities begin to deal with the aftermath of this tragedy."
Other local schools are offering their support to Ascension Episcopal in the wake of this news, including Lafayette Parish School System, making this post to Facebook:
Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School in Lafayette made a similar post to their Facebook page:
State officials have also spoken out about the incident. Governor Jeff Landry made a post calling for change and thanking those who responded quickly:
Here's a joint statement from Senate President Cameron Henry and House Speaker Phillip Devillier:
"Our prayers go out as we mourn the life lost today and pray for the recovery of all those injured, some critically, and for strength for their families and loved ones around this state. We are extremely grateful for the multiple law enforcement agencies and first responders who arrived on scene quickly to save lives and ensure the safety of those in the area. We continue to follow this ongoing investigation."
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill also put out a statement after news that the students were among those injured broke, asking the public for prayer and patience, saying "Sadly, initial reports that no bystanders were struck were incorrect. Several innocent individuals were, in fact, struck by gunfire. Please keep these victims and their families in your prayers. No one’s life should be at risk when simply going shopping at the mall. This remains an active investigation. I urge the public to be patient and allow law enforcement the time and space to do their jobs and gather all the facts."
On Friday, Murrill released another statement: “Please join me in praying for Martha Odom and her family. Martha was a senior at Ascension Episcopal School with her whole life in front of her. The Odom family and mine have been friends for decades. There are no words for the devastating loss of innocent life. I’m praying for her, her family and friends, and the entire Lafayette community during this heartbreaking time. Those responsible for this senseless violence must face the full force of the law.”
