One high-profile inmate at Marion County Jail is accused of stabbing and attempting to kill another high-profile inmate over the weekend.
Randall Lee Williford, wanted for robbing a TD Bank branch and leading police on a high-speed chase, was arrested on charges of attempted first-degree murder and possession of a dangerous weapon in a county detention facility.
The victim, Albert Shell, is accused of fatally shooting a man inside Paddock Mall on Dec. 23, 2023. Both Williford and Shell remain in jail as their criminal cases move forward.
Williford had his first court appearance on Jan. 12 for the attempted murder charge. He repeatedly told County Judge Lori Cotton that he wanted to plead guilty. When the judge said the first appearance wasn’t the proper time for a plea, Williford insisted he was guilty, adding that he is already facing two life sentences for his bank robbery case, so an additional 30 years wouldn’t matter.
Williford, 38, faces charges of robbery with a firearm, kidnapping with a firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, aggravated assault with a firearm, and tampering with evidence in the TD Bank case. He said he is represented by local attorney Melanie Slaughter for the bank robbery case but wants to represent himself.
The judge asked if he had been treated for mental illness. Williford said yes but admitted he has not been taking his medication. He appeared in court wearing a jail green uniform, indicating he is on suicide watch, and was shackled at the waist with a black eye. A public defender was appointed, and Williford will be held without bail. He was ordered to have no contact with Shell. His next court date is Feb. 10.
Shell, accused of killing David Nathaniel Barron, 40, at the mall, has been in jail since January 2024, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty.
Stabbing Incident Details
According to Marion County Sheriff’s Investigator Shelby Kinsey, the stabbing occurred on Jan. 10 in the Bravo Pod, Echo Section of the jail. Shell was treated for multiple lacerations to his face, neck, shoulders, and biceps in the jail infirmary and did not require hospitalization.
A deputy saw Williford and Shell fighting during meal distribution, initially thinking they were “horseplaying,” but realized Williford had a weapon. The deputy used an Electronic Disabling Device (EDD) to stop him. A 2- to 5-inch knife made from metal taken from a light bulb was recovered.
Shell said he had no past issues with Williford, noting they had previously been cellmates. He believes another inmate, a known gang member, ordered the attack because Shell had been labeled a snitch. Shell said the attack was meant to benefit Williford with allies and finances once he began serving his life sentences.
Surveillance video shows Williford hiding behind a wall and adjusting an object at his waistband before stabbing Shell in the face, head, and neck. Shell tried to defend himself as Williford lunged repeatedly. The deputy used an EDD to stop Williford, who fell to the ground.
Williford admitted to law enforcement that he repeatedly stabbed Shell intending to kill him. He said he manipulated jail staff to be housed near Shell and planned the attack while pretending to be friendly. He told investigators he waited until dinner to strike, catching Shell off guard.
Bank Robbery Background
Williford was sentenced in 2015 to 10 years for attempted robbery with a firearm while on drug probation. On May 8, 2025, he allegedly robbed a TD Bank branch at 2437 SE 17th St., leading police on a chase after a vehicle crash. Co-defendants Amanda Jean Bishop and Andre Javon Baker were detained. Williford, armed, pointed a gun at an officer and was shot. Officers were later cleared of wrongdoing. Baker and Bishop remain in prison.
A plea agreement with the state broke down, and Williford’s case remains ongoing, with prosecutors seeking life in prison.
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