Christian high school senior Martha Odom killed in Louisiana mall shooting days before graduation

Martha Odom, 17, was a senior at Ascension Episcopal School in Lafayette, Louisiana when she was killed in the crossfire of a shooting at the Mall of Louisiana on Thursday. Odom was at the mall with friends during the traditional "senior skip day" just weeks before graduation. Odom had planned to attend the University of the South in Tennessee in the fall.

As Odom and her friends were in the food court, two groups of feuding gunmen opend fire on each other, with no concern for who else might be caught in their crossfire. Five others were injured in the fight, including two of Odom's friends.

Markel Lee turned himself in on Friday and has been charged with first-degree murder, five counts of attempted murder, and one count of illegal use of a weapon. Lee is also 17 and is being held in the East Baton Rouge Jail without bond. Another individual is being sought as a person of interest.

"We grieve the loss of one of our seniors, Martha Odom, following yesterday’s off-campus tragedy," school officials said, per the NY Post. "We continue to lift in prayer the two students who are healing, as well as the two additional students who were present."

Odom was an editor for her school newspaper and had recently returned from a spring break trip to New York. Of that adventure, she wrote "This spring break was one to remember for my family as we took a much-anticipated trip to New York City! This visit was the senior trip I picked for my family. The balance of city bustle and blooming spring flowers is unmatched, and I am so blessed to have been able to visit during this time of year!"

She was also a captain of her school's soccer team, taught ballet to 5 and 6-year-olds, loved the arts and was a dancer herself. The Ballet Studio, where she trained, posted to Facebook about the loss. 

"Our hearts are shattered," they said in a post. "We lost one of our own. Our beautiful dancer, Martha Odom. A bright light—fearless, joyfull, full of life. The kind of soul that fills a room without even trying. Our studio feels different today. Quieter. Heavier. As if a piece of us is missing... because it is."

"Becky and I are heartbroken over the devastating loss of Martha Odom,” said Louisiana Senator John Kennedy. "Martha was a 17-year-old high school student beloved by all who knew her. Her life should never have been cut short by the senseless violence we saw at the Mall of Louisiana. Our prayers are with her family, friends, and community—and all those injured in this tragedy."

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