The search is still underway for a 39-year-old man who allegedly killed another man and injured a woman in a shooting at Paddock Mall on December 23, and Ocala police are offering an increased cash reward for information that leads to his arrest.
“We are still actively searching for the Paddock Mall murder suspect, Albert Shell Jr,” stated the Ocala Police Department in a social media post on Friday, December 29. “We’re now offering a $15,000 reward to anyone who provides information of his location that will lead to his arrest.”
Shell is wanted on charges of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder in the fatal shooting that claimed the life of 40-year-old David Nathaniel Barron.
Shell allegedly targeted Barron just before 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 23. OPD states that it received the first call about an active shooter at around 3:40 p.m.
Multiple law enforcement units were dispatched to the mall and found that the shooting had already taken place. Barron was found in a common area, deceased from gunshot wounds.
An unidentified woman at the mall also sustained a gunshot wound and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Her injuries were described as non-life-threatening by police.
Within 24 hours of the shooting, OPD provided surveillance photos that showed a suspect that fled the scene immediately after shots were fired. He has since been identified as Shell.
If you know Shell’s current whereabouts, OPD asks that you call 352-656-6137.
Anyone with information who seeks to remain anonymous may contact the Crime Stoppers of Marion County by calling 352-368-STOP(7867) or clicking here to submit an online tip.