A 34-year-old woman, Mindy Osteen, was arrested on Friday after allegedly shooting and killing the father of her children, Christopher Jones, at a daycare in Starke, Florida. The tragic incident unfolded at Auntie Lili’s Daycare, where Jones had arrived to pick up their two kids.
Police say Osteen approached him with a 9mm handgun and fired multiple shots at close range, making chilling statements such as, “Please, let the monster die.”
Shooting Incident at Daycare
According to the arrest report, Osteen approached Jones as he was placing the children into his car. Witnesses and security footage indicate that Osteen, who had hidden the weapon in a backpack, was closely watching Jones before she began the attack.
The report describes how Osteen fired three shots before backing up, then walking back to fire two more shots into Jones. He was heard screaming as the shots were fired.
At least six children and two daycare employees were inside the facility at the time of the shooting. While details about the children’s identities have been redacted from the arrest documents, police confirmed that the two children were in the car at the time of the shooting.
Osteen’s Arrest and Claims
Bradford County Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the scene and found Osteen there, where she allegedly confessed to the crime, stating, “I done it in self-defense.” It’s unclear what she meant by that claim, as authorities have not provided further details.
Jones was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries. Osteen was taken into custody and is facing charges including first-degree murder, cruelty toward a child, possession of a weapon, and larceny. As of Monday, she is being held without bond.
The murder of Christopher Jones has shocked the local community, especially considering that the crime took place in front of several children. Osteen’s actions have raised many questions, especially regarding her claim of self-defense.
The case is still under investigation, and authorities are working to uncover more details about the motive behind the brutal shooting.
