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
5 dead including 3 children in Silver Rail Elementary shooting in Bend, teenage shooter killed by a Good Samaritan
BEND, Ore. — Five people were reportedly killed in a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in southeast Bend, Oregon, on Thursday, October 15, 2026, including three children, one adult victim, and the teenage suspect, according to preliminary information attributed to federal law enforcement.
The reported shooting prompted a major emergency response involving police, fire crews, and emergency medical services.
Authorities issued an alert at approximately 1:17 p.m., warning of a large police presence at the elementary school and urging the public to avoid the area.
According to the information provided, four victims were killed at the school. Three of those victims were children, while the fourth was an adult. The suspected gunman, described in preliminary reports as a teenager, was also reported dead, bringing the reported total to five fatalities.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the identities of the victims and the suspect, had not been fully established in the information available.
Preliminary reports indicated that the suspected gunman was a teenager and was killed after being confronted by a Good Samaritan.
Earlier scanner traffic reportedly indicated that the suspect had been neutralized. Unconfirmed reports suggested that the individual who intervened may have been a father of a student at the school.
However, authorities had not publicly confirmed all the circumstances surrounding the confrontation or independently verified the reported identity and role of the person who intervened.
Investigators are expected to examine the sequence of events leading up to the shooting, how the suspect was stopped, and whether the suspect acted alone.
The first police alert was issued at approximately 1:17 p.m. Thursday. It described a large police presence at Silver Rail Elementary School and instructed the public to stay away from the area.
Fire and emergency medical services personnel were seen responding near the school as authorities worked to address the reported threat and assist those affected.
The shooting prompted urgent concern among families and the surrounding community, particularly after reports indicated that children were among the victims.
Approximately 10 minutes after the initial alert, police announced a reunification site for students and their families at Journey Church, located at 61303 S. Highway 97 in Bend, near Goodwill and Dairy Queen.
Parents and guardians were instructed to go to the designated location to reunite with students and receive further information.
Authorities urged families to follow official instructions and avoid approaching the school while emergency operations continued.
The reported shooting also prompted precautionary security measures at nearby schools. Parents received alerts indicating that Caldera High School and Jewell Elementary School had been placed on lockdown Thursday afternoon.
The lockdowns were reported as law enforcement responded to Silver Rail Elementary and worked to secure the surrounding area.
Further information was needed to establish how long the lockdowns remained in effect and when normal school operations resumed.
Although preliminary information indicated five deaths, including three children, one adult victim, and the teenage suspect, additional official confirmation is needed regarding the victims’ identities, the suspect’s identity, and the circumstances of the shooting.
The reported involvement of a Good Samaritan also requires confirmation from investigators.
This remains a developing story. Further details should be added as law enforcement and school officials release verified information about the shooting and the investigation.