A 17-year-old suspect has been arrested following a deadly shooting at the Mall of Louisiana that left one teenager dead and multiple others injured, authorities announced Friday.
Markel Lee turned himself in to police with his attorney and faces charges of first-degree murder, five counts of attempted first-degree murder, and one count of illegal use of a firearm, according to Baton Rouge Police Chief TJ Morse.
The shooting erupted just before 1:30 p.m. Thursday in the food court area of the shopping centre following a disagreement between two groups. Law enforcement officers stationed at the mall and a sheriff's deputy in the parking lot responded immediately as gunfire broke out.
A Tragic Loss
Martha Odom, a senior at Ascension Episcopal School in Lafayette—roughly 60 kilometres west of Baton Rouge—was killed in the gunfire. The school remembered her as a "joyful presence whose kindness and infectious enthusiasm brought light to all who knew her."
Two other students from the school sustained injuries and are recovering, school officials said.
"There are no words for the devastating loss of innocent life," Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said in a statement Friday. "Those responsible for this senseless violence must face the full force of the law."
Ongoing Investigation
Detectives used security footage and other investigative tools to identify Lee as a suspect. Police are still searching for at least one additional suspect connected to the shooting.
Five people were taken into custody Thursday but have since been released pending further investigation, Chief Morse said.
One firearm was recovered at the scene. Investigators believe handguns were used in the shooting and are exploring possible connections to social media conflicts and gang-related activity.
"This definitely probably has some ties to social media beef, gang-related stuff but we're still at the beginning of this," Morse said.
Donnie Guillory, 43, remains hospitalized in critical condition following surgery. Several other victims sustained varying degrees of injury.
"Our Baton Rouge police officers and East Baton Rouge sheriff's officers ran into gunfire and risked their lives in the process of saving countless others," said Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards at a Friday news conference.
The shooting marks another tragedy in a series of violent incidents at public spaces across the United States, renewing concerns about public safety and gun violence.
This article is based on reporting from NBC News and local Louisiana law enforcement. Additional details may emerge as the investigation continues.