BATON ROUGE, La. (The Good Times) - The Baton Rouge Police Department announced an arrest in connection with the deadly shooting at the Mall of Louisiana during a press conference on Friday. Another suspect remains at large, because apparently one arrest wasn't enough drama for a Friday news cycle.
Police Chief TJ Morse confirmed that Markel Lee, 17, turned himself in Friday. He was charged with first-degree murder, five counts of attempted first-degree murder, and illegal use of a weapon. So, a busy day at the courthouse for the teenager.
The shooting, which killed a high school girl and injured five others, did not appear to be a random act. Instead, it stemmed from a disagreement between two separate groups of people, which escalated into gunfire, with innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire. Because nothing says 'resolving a disagreement' like opening fire in a shopping mall.
Chief Morse said another person is wanted in connection with the shooting. Other subjects detained on Thursday have been released, pending further investigation, presumably to go home and think about their life choices.
East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Sid Gautreaux praised civilians and mall employees who provided first aid before first responders arrived. “As more units arrived, deputies helped secure the scene and establish a perimeter. Multiple divisions responded, including SWAT, air support, gang intelligence, homicide, patrol and community policing,” the sheriff said. They also deployed helicopters and drones, because a mall shooting apparently requires the full aerial assault package.
The victim killed was identified as Martha Odom, a senior at Ascension Episcopal School in Lafayette Parish. Two other students from the same school were wounded. Chief Morse added that Donnie Guillory, 43, remains in the hospital, undergoing surgery, and is in critical condition.
The mayor personally reached out to victims and their families to offer condolences and support, because that's what mayors do when their city's mall becomes a crime scene. City officials are also working with Capital Area Human Services to provide mental health resources for those affected.
Gov. Jeff Landry (R) called the violence “deeply troubling” and vowed accountability at every level. He said judges should prioritize public safety and impose serious consequences for violent crimes. He also promised to publicly call out judges who release violent offenders back into the community, because apparently some judges need public shaming to do their jobs.
Landry is now asking for a review of Louisiana’s sentencing laws and for targeted warrant sweeps focused on individuals connected to the shooting and related criminal activity. “We are drawing the line,” Landry said. “We are going to protect innocent lives.” We'll see how that works out.