Albert J. Shell Jr.
Albert J. Shell Jr.

Ocala police have identified the suspect accused of killing of a man and injuring a woman in a shooting at Paddock Mall on Saturday afternoon.

Albert J. Shell Jr., 39, is wanted on charges of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder in the fatal shooting that claimed the life of David Nathaniel Barron.

Albert J. Shell Jr.
Albert J. Shell Jr.

Shell allegedly targeted Barron, 40, just before 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 23. OPD says it received the first call about an active shooter at around 3:40 p.m.

Victim identified person of interest sought in fatal Paddock Mall shooting
David Nathaniel Barron, 40, was fatally shot inside Paddock Mall on Saturday afternoon

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.

In updates over the past 24 hours, OPD provided surveillance photos that showed a suspect they fled the scene immediately after the shooting. He has since been identified as Shell.

OPD person of interest in fatal Paddock Mall shooting on December 23, 2023
Ocala police are looking for this person of interest in connection with the fatal shooting at Paddock Mall

According to a statement issued by OPD on Sunday afternoon, police are offering a reward for tips that lead to the arrest of Shell.

“If you call OPD and tell us where he is and it leads to his arrest, we will pay you $5,000! Call 352-656-6137. Please, do not call that number for any other matter,” reads a statement issued through social media by OPD.

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.

If anyone has a video of the shooting that was captured on their phone, OPD asks that you share the footage with detectives. You can send videos via email to mediarelations@ocalapd.org or by phone to 352-656-6137.

Check back on Ocala-News.com for updates on this developing story.