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17-Year-Old Killed, Five Injured in Mall Shooting; Suspect Arrested

4/25/2026

23 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A 17-year-old student was killed and five injured in a targeted shooting at the Mall of Louisiana food court.
Police arrested 17-year-old Markel Lee and are searching for a second suspect.
The victim was Martha Odom, a 17-year-old senior at Ascension Episcopal School in Lafayette.
Mall officials closed the Mall of Louisiana on April 24 after Chief T.J. Morse said the gunfire stemmed from an argument between two groups.

History

Historical Context

On April 20 1999, seniors Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold killed 13 students and a teacher at Columbine High School, sparking a national debate on gun control and inspiring more than 70 copycat attacks. The Mall of Louisiana shooting by teenage gunmen echoes that legacy, prompting Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry to push tighter background-check laws.

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Story summary

A 17-year-old student was killed and five injured in a targeted shooting at the Mall of Louisiana food court.
Police arrested 17-year-old Markel Lee and are searching for a second suspect.
The victim was Martha Odom, a 17-year-old senior at Ascension Episcopal School in Lafayette.
Mall officials closed the Mall of Louisiana on April 24 after Chief T.J. Morse said the gunfire stemmed from an argument between two groups.

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