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
Angela Johnson and Her Son DeAngelo Johnson Killed After Shooting Inside Home in Chicago, Mother’s Boyfriend in Custody
CHICAGO — A 47-year-old mother and her 27-year-old son were fatally shot inside a residence in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood on the West Side late Thursday night, September 24, 2026, according to Chicago police.
The victims were identified as Angela Johnson, 47, and DeAngelo Johnson, 27. Police said a suspect, identified as Angela Johnson’s boyfriend, was taken into custody following the shooting.
The deadly shooting happened in the 800 block of North Parkside Avenue at approximately 10:43 p.m. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots coming from the basement of the residence and called 911.
When Chicago police officers arrived, they found the two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Angela Johnson was found in the basement with a gunshot wound to her chest. Police-radio traffic indicated she had been shot on the right side of her chest.
DeAngelo Johnson was found on the first floor with multiple gunshot wounds. Radio traffic indicated that he had suffered two gunshot wounds to his back.
Both victims were initially unresponsive and in critical condition. Emergency personnel performed CPR on DeAngelo Johnson before both victims were transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
According to police-radio traffic, one victim was pronounced dead at approximately 11:18 p.m., while the male victim was pronounced dead around 11:21 p.m.
Investigators found extensive evidence inside the residence, including approximately 23 shell casings in a basement bedroom. Additional shell casings were reportedly recovered in other areas of the basement, including the stairway, main room and bedroom.
Officers initially recovered a firearm and shell casings from the basement bedroom. Police later located a second firearm inside the home, bringing the total number of recovered firearms to two.
Authorities have not publicly stated who owned the firearms or confirmed which weapon, if either, was used in the fatal shooting.
Police also reported that DeAngelo Johnson was wearing an empty holster when officers found him on the first floor. That discovery prompted an officer-safety alert as officers searched the residence for the missing firearm.
Chicago police said the shooting appeared to be domestic-related and identified the alleged offender as the mother’s boyfriend.
Radio traffic indicated that a person had been detained by approximately 11:26 p.m. The official police report later confirmed that the known offender was taken into custody.
Two witnesses were reportedly available to identify the alleged offender, and officers conducted a show-up identification procedure near the scene.
Police have not released additional information about potential charges against the suspect.
The investigation into the Chicago Austin neighborhood double shooting remains ongoing. Detectives are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the shooting, the relationship between the people involved and the role of the two recovered firearms.
The deaths of Angela Johnson and DeAngelo Johnson are being investigated as a double homicide.