BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – Governor Jeff Landry joined State Police and the Baton Rouge PD to update the public on the Mall of Louisiana shooting.
Police Chief TJ Morse announced Friday that one person has been arrested, and a second suspect is wanted.
According to the chief, Markel Lee, 17, is facing charges for first-degree murder, five counts of attempted first-degree murder, and one count of illegal use of a weapon. He turned himself in and was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.
Markel Lee, 17, turned himself in and is being held at EBR Parish Prison in connection with the mall shooting.(WAFB)
Chief Morse said Lee has an extensive history in the juvenile court system.
Police released a photo of the wanted person they are trying to identify.
Photo released of mall shooting suspect during BRPD update Friday, April 24(WAFB)
The other people detained on Thursday were released, but police say they may face charges at a later time.
Chief Morse confirmed they were persons of interest, but said they refused to answer questions, lawyered up, and police do not currently have enough to hold them on.
“We know that this was not a random incident. We know that this was two groups of people that met up at the mall, exchanged words, and then pulled guns, and innocent people were hit,” said Morse, adding that it started as a “social media beef.”
He said this is too early to know if this incident has any ties to gang-related activity.
Officials also gave an update on the shooting victims.
Martha Odom, 17, of Lafayette, was identified as the teenager killed in the shooting.
Officials said one of the victims remains in critical condition.
Mass shooting at Mall of Louisiana
In response to the violence, Gov. Jeff Landry said he is asking legislators for a full review of sentencing laws, and judges who continuously release offenders back on the streets are going to be held accountable.
The governor said he is also asking authorities to prepare for a targeted warrant sweep focused on individuals in the neighborhoods where the suspects are from and anyone connected to this incident.
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