Police Arrest Suspect in Fatal Shooting at Ocala Mall

Albert J. Shell Jr., 39, Apprehended in Central Florida

Police in the Central Florida city of Ocala announced overnight Monday that they, in collaboration with federal marshals, have successfully apprehended the main suspect in the fatal shooting that took place at a local mall on December 23, 2023. The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Albert J. Shell Jr., is believed to be responsible for the targeted killing.

Shell had been wanted on charges of premeditated first-degree murder and attempted premeditated first-degree murder, as stated by the Ocala Police Department. In their efforts to capture the suspect, the department had initially offered a $5,000 reward for any information leading to his arrest.

The incident occurred at approximately 3:40 p.m. local time in a “common area” of the Paddock Mall, according to Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken. The shooting resulted in the death of 40-year-old David Nathaniel Barron, while a woman suffered a gunshot wound to the leg.

Aside from the fatalities, the shooting left several other individuals injured. Reports indicated that one person experienced chest pain, while another suffered a broken arm.

During the investigation, it was revealed that the shooter had been wearing a distinctive red hat. However, the day after the incident, authorities discovered that the hat had been unlawfully removed from the scene. Ocala police urgently appealed for its return, emphasizing the potential DNA evidence it might contain and urging the responsible person to come forward promptly.

“That hat may contain valuable DNA evidence, and we need it back,” the Ocala police stated. “We urge you to do the right thing and come forward immediately. Time is of the essence.”

Should the hat not be returned promptly, the Ocala Police Department warned that they would release a picture of the individual who took it. They emphasized that the person responsible for tampering with evidence by taking the hat would face felony charges upon arrest.

As of now, there have been no updates regarding the recovery of the hat.

Ocala, located approximately 80 miles northwest of Orlando, has been deeply affected by this tragic incident.