Ocala, Florida – Prosecutors in Florida have announced that they will seek the death penalty for 39-year-old Albert J. Shell Jr., who is accused of opening fire at a mall just one day before Christmas Eve, killing one man and seriously injuring a woman. The decision was formalized in a notice of intent filed by the Office of the State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit.
In addition to the charge of first-degree murder, Shell is facing two counts of attempted second-degree murder with a firearm and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The state attorney’s office explained that the decision to pursue the death penalty was made due to “the severity of the crime and its impact on the community.”
The shooting, which took place at the Paddock Mall in Ocala, Florida, led to the death of 40-year-old David Nathaniel Brown. It also left a woman with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. While the shooter initially fled the scene, Shell was later arrested on January 8, 2024, by Ocala Police, Marion County Sheriff deputies, and U.S. Marshals.
According to a witness, surveillance footage showed Shell approaching the victim outside a restaurant, engaging in a physical altercation, and ultimately shooting the victim multiple times. It was also revealed that Shell has a history of arrests, including a recent incident in which he allegedly beat up his girlfriend in front of her child and subsequently intimidated the victim for cooperating with the police.
The decision to pursue the death penalty sends a clear message about the gravity of the alleged offenses and the commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and their families, according to State Attorney Bill Gladson. The impact of the shooting on the community has also been acknowledged, with the state attorney’s office emphasizing its unwavering commitment to holding criminals accountable for their actions.