Manhunt continues for suspect in Paddock Mall shooting; injured woman now out of hospital
Editor's note: This story has been revised to note that police have found the man who picked up the hat they need as part of their investigation.
Ocala police on Wednesday continued their search for the man who they say shot and killed a man and injured a woman at the Paddock Mall two days before Christmas. Police are following up on tips and continuing their investigation.
Police officials said they have received information on Albert James Shell Jr's. whereabouts, but so far nothing has panned out. There is a $10,000 reward for information leading to Shell's arrest. He will be charged with murder and attempted murder.
Ocala police did finally connect with the man who picked up Shell's hat, which police need for DNA testing purposes. Police had been searching for that man for several days. In a Facebook message posted about 2 p.m. Wednesday, police said they now have the hat and the man is cooperating with them.
Albert James Shell
Hours after the shooting, Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken said their investigation led them to conclude that the shooting of David Nathaniel Barron, 40, was intentional.
Shell, 39, is accused of shooting the 40-year-old Barron in the common area between Macy's and the food court on the afternoon of Dec. 23.
A woman, 43, of Ocala, was shot in the leg during the episode, which caused panic and mayhem at the Paddock Mall, 3100 SW College Road.
At this point in their investigation, detectives do not believe there's a connection between Barron and the woman who was shot. The woman was just in the immediate area when the gunfire began, police officials said.
Police said the woman has been treated and released from a hospital. Her name has not been made public.
The suspect, Shell, is a convicted felon who was released from prison in 2021. He was convicted of driving on a suspended driver's license in 2022. So far this year, Shell has been arrested twice on multiple charges including burglary, aggravated battery and kidnapping. Those cases are still pending.
Mall shooting: The latest on the Paddock Mall shooting in Ocala: No arrests yet; reward up to $10K
Anyone with information about Shell can call (352) 656-6137 or **Tips. To remain anonymous, call (352) 368-STOP or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com
Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Paddock Mall shooting in Ocala: Suspect remains at large on Wednesday
