Louisiana Bill Expands First-Degree Murder After Deadly Mall Shooting

A Louisiana bill expanded after a deadly mall shooting would broaden first-degree murder charges and increase death penalty eligibility. Lawmakers cited the attack as reason to toughen the state's homicide laws.

House Bill 102 started as a measure to create a new crime for abuse or neglect that seriously harms elderly or vulnerable people. The proposal changed substantially as it advanced through the state Legislature.

Lawmakers linked the new offense to existing murder laws, so a death from such abuse could count as murder.

The biggest changes came in the Louisiana Senate. State Sen. Alan Seabaugh, R-Shreveport, added amendments after the April 23 shooting at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge.

Reports of an active shooter there sent shoppers running. Authorities said multiple people fired guns during a dispute between groups inside the mall. The gunfire killed 17-year-old Martha Odom and wounded at least five others, officials said. Several wounded people were bystanders in the crossfire.

Police took multiple suspects into custody after the shooting in the crowded public area, which caused panic among shoppers and employees.

Gov. Jeff Landry said the violence highlighted public safety concerns as investigators tried to figure out what started the gunfire.

Seabaugh said the amendments aim to cover cases where people fire into crowds and kill unintended victims, according to The Advocate.

The revised bill expands first-degree murder to include killings in public places where the offender risks death or great bodily harm to three or more people. It also covers offenders who use firearms illegally or kill while on bail, probation or parole.

The changes create a legal presumption that pointing and firing a gun at someone shows intent to kill or cause great bodily harm.

In Louisiana, first-degree murder carries the death penalty for those convicted.

The bill needs to pass final legislative steps before it goes to the governor.