A trialdate has been set for the man accused in the 2023 Paddock Mall fatal shooting. The defendant could face the death penalty if found guilty.
Here's what we know about that and other cases heard the week of Aug. 31:
State v. Albert James Shell Jr.
Judge: Circuit Judge Steven Rogers.
Lawyers: State Attorney Bill Gladson and Assistant State Attorney Rich Buxman. Representing Shell are Daniel M. Hernandez and Cory Chastang.
Charge: First-degree murder.
What happened? During the hearing, held Sept. 4, the lawyers and the judge set May 10, 2027 for jury selection. If Shell is found guilty by a jury, then the second week, May 17, will be the penalty phase, the lawyers said.
The attorneys are confident they could pick a 12-member jury on May 10. The judge set aside a three-week window
in May for the entire trial. Shell is presently locked up at the county jail without bail.
About the case: Police said Shell shot and killed 40-year-old David Nathaniel Barron inside the malltwo days before Christmas 2023. Officers said Shell, 42, chased Barron while firing shots at the man. When the defendant caught up to Barron, the victim begged for his life. Authorities said Shell shot Barron in the head.
After fleeing the scene, Shell was apprehended by law enforcement in early January 2024.
State v. Lamonte Ronnie Green
Judge: Circuit Judge Steven Rogers.
Lawyers: Defense attorney Jonathan Mills and Assistant State Attorney Adam Smith.
Charge: Aggravated battery with a firearm.
When was Green in court and what was the outcome? Aug. 31 for a mental competency hearing. It ended with the judge ordering Green to the state hospital until his competency can be restored.
The decision was based on a doctor's recommendation. The judge told Green and his family, who were in the courtroom, that once Green is deemed competent to proceed, then his case will resume.
At the time of the hearing, was Green in or out of jail? Out of jail on bond.
About the case: The 22-year-old man is accused of shooting a man in the leg in the 2000 block of Southwest Fourth Street in late December 2023.
State v. Brandon Tyrique Montford
Judge: Circuit Judge Steven Rogers.
Lawyers: Assistant State Attorney Debra Munchel and Assistant Public Defender Neil Patrick Harichand.
Charges: Travel to meet a minor after use of computer to lure child, use computer to seduce/solicit/lure child, and unlawful use of two-way communications device to facilitate felony.
When was Montford in court and the outcome? Aug. 31 for trial priority. Montford, who was free on bond, decided to change his plea.
In a negotiated agreement, Montford entered a no contest plea and was sentenced to 30 months in prison and 30 months of probation. He has three days of credit for time already served at the jail.
While on probation, the 28-year-old man can have no contact with anyone younger than 18 and must register as a sexual offender. Two counts of transmission of harmful material to a minor were dropped by prosecutors.
About the case: Montford was among 40 men charged in the summer of 2025 during Operation Seek and Ye Shall Find Out.The operation targeted adults accused of trying to meet children online to arrange sex. The children online were actually undercover law enforcement officials.
Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Trial date set for accused Paddock Mall shooter facing death penalty
