Crime
Ascension Episcopal School senior Martha Odom killed in Mall of Louisiana shooting
BATON ROUGE, La. — A 17-year-old high school senior has been identified as the victim killed in Thursday’s shooting at the Mall of Louisiana, an incident that also left several others injured and prompted a large law enforcement response.
Ascension Episcopal School confirmed that the victim was Martha Odom, a senior at the school.
In a statement released Friday, school officials expressed deep sorrow over her death, describing her as a “joyful presence” whose kindness and enthusiasm positively impacted classmates, faculty, and the broader school community.
The school also confirmed that two additional students sustained injuries during the shooting and are currently recovering.
Two other students were present at the scene but were not physically harmed. “We continue to lift in prayer the two students who are healing, as well as the two additional students who were present,” the statement read.
According to the Baton Rouge Police Department, the shooting occurred at approximately 1:22 p.m. inside the mall’s food court area.
Investigators believe the violence stemmed from an altercation between two groups, which escalated into gunfire.
Authorities emphasized that the incident does not appear to have been a random act, though bystanders — including Odom and other students — were among those struck.
T.J. Morse stated that a total of six victims were transported to hospitals following the shooting.
One victim, later identified as Odom, died from injuries.
Another individual underwent surgery, while several others were treated for injuries ranging from moderate to minor.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that five individuals were taken into custody within hours of the shooting.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the roles of those involved.
Additional details, including information about suspects and potential charges, are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
Crime
Celeste Gusman, 66, Dies After Stabbing at Kalihi Business in Honolulu; Police Investigate as Homicide
HONOLULU, Hawaii — A 66-year-old woman has died following a stabbing at a business in Honolulu’s Kalihi neighborhood, leaving her family, friends, and the local community grieving a tragic loss.
The victim was identified as Celeste Gusman, according to the Honolulu Police Department. Officers responded to a business in the 2300 block of North School Street at approximately 3:20 p.m. Wednesday after receiving a report of a stabbing.
When officers arrived, they found Gusman suffering from a stab wound. Emergency medical personnel quickly began providing advanced lifesaving treatment at the scene before transporting her to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, Gusman later succumbed to her injuries.
Authorities also reported that another woman, who is in her 60s, sustained minor injuries during the incident. According to the information released, she was injured in a fall amid the disturbance and was transported to a hospital in stable condition.
No further details about the circumstances surrounding the second woman’s injuries have been provided.
Following the incident, police initially arrested a 23-year-old man on suspicion of second-degree attempted murder. After Gusman died from her injuries, authorities reclassified the case as a murder investigation.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the stabbing. Police have not yet released information about what may have triggered the incident or whether the suspect knew Gusman.
The suspect’s arrest and the ongoing investigation do not establish guilt. Further details are expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and determining the events that led to the fatal attack.
The death of Celeste Gusman at 66 has brought sadness to those affected by this incident. A place of business in a familiar neighborhood became the scene of a tragedy, and loved ones are now facing the difficult reality of losing someone important to them.
While many questions remain unanswered, the loss of life has deeply affected the community. Friends, relatives, and neighbors are left remembering Gusman and hoping that the investigation will bring clarity about what happened.
Please keep Celeste Gusman’s family, friends, and loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time. The injured woman and everyone affected by the incident also deserve support as they recover.
May Celeste Gusman rest in peace. May her loved ones find comfort, strength, and healing in the days ahead.