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
Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton Injured in Deadly Mississippi Crash, Mother Confirms He Is Alive and Safe
DESOTO COUNTY, Mississippi — Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton was injured in a deadly two-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 61 in DeSoto County, Mississippi, but his mother has confirmed that he is alive, safe and recovering following the crash.
Burton, 27, of Memphis, Tennessee, was driving a Dodge Durango involved in the collision shortly after 8 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of U.S. Highway 61 and Church Road in Walls.
The crash claimed the lives of three people traveling in a Honda Accord. The incident also left another passenger injured and involved employees of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Detention Center.
Following the crash, misinformation circulated online suggesting that Burton had died and that he was a juvenile detention officer.
His mother, Tee Burton, publicly addressed the reports, firmly correcting the information and asking people to stop sharing unverified claims.
She confirmed that her son is alive, safe and okay. She also emphasized that he is not a juvenile detention officer.
In her statement, she expressed disappointment over reports falsely identifying her son as one of the people who died in the collision.
She also acknowledged the families who lost loved ones and urged the public to show compassion toward everyone affected by the tragedy.
Her statement included the following message:
“My son is alive!!! He is safe, and he is okay!!!”
She further asked people to verify information before publishing or reposting details that could cause unnecessary emotional distress to families.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, a northbound Dodge Durango traveling on U.S. Highway 61 collided with a westbound Honda Accord traveling on Church Road.
Three occupants of the Honda were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the victims as:
- Latasha N. Dodson, 37, of Horn Lake, Mississippi, the Honda driver.
- Eddie L. Dodson Jr., 41, of Byhalia, Mississippi.
- Tamenshia R. Ford, 32, of Horn Lake, Mississippi.
Burton and another passenger in the Honda survived the collision but sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Their specific medical conditions have not been publicly detailed in the information provided.
The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that two people involved in the crash were employees of its Juvenile Detention Center.
One of those employees was Tamenshia R. Ford, who died in the collision. The second employee was seriously injured.
Sheriff Thomas E. Tuggle II expressed condolences following the death of the employee, describing the person as a respected and beloved member of the department.
“Our fallen officer was a respected and beloved member of our team,” Tuggle said.
The sheriff’s office also recognized the employee’s dedication, compassion and commitment to working with young people entrusted to the facility’s care.
State officials confirmed that the Dodge Durango involved in the collision belonged to the Walls Police Department.
The city’s mayor and police chief also confirmed that a Walls police officer was involved in the crash. Burton’s mother has since clarified that her son is the officer and that he survived.
An SUV displaying Walls Police Department identification was seen being towed from the crash scene Wednesday night.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the fatal collision.
Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities have not released additional details about what led to the vehicles colliding.
The crash resulted in three deaths and left multiple people injured. Burton’s family has asked the public to respect the victims and their loved ones while avoiding the spread of false information.
The investigation remains ongoing.