After she reportedly shot and killed her children’s father in front of their children at a daycare, a Florida mother was charged with first-degree murder.
The sad event took place at Auntie Lili’s Daycare in Starke, which is roughly 45 miles southwest of Jacksonville, on Friday.
The 34-year-old Mindy Osteen is charged with approaching Christopher Jones while he was picking up their two kids and shooting him many times with a 9 millimeter handgun.
Police said that before she shot Jones, Osteen said, “You got to die.” Osteen reportedly screamed, “Please, let the monster die,” as she fired.
Children and daycare workers were among the witnesses who were there when the incident occurred. When the incident occurred, two childcare workers and at least six children were inside the building.
The Assault
According to reports, Jones was loading his kids into the car when Osteen ambushed him. According to the police, Osteen concealed the Arex Delta 9 mm handgun in a backpack while lurking close by.
According to the daycare’s security footage, Osteen allegedly waits for the ideal opportunity before approaching Jones, who is sitting in the driver’s seat of his car, and firing three shots.
Jones could be heard yelling in agony as Osteen retreated a little and fired two more rounds.
Deputies quickly arrived after witnesses alerted authorities that Osteen was the shooter. Osteen reportedly stated, “I done it in self-defense,” when they approached her, though it was unclear what she meant by that.
After being taken to a nearby hospital, Jones was later declared dead from his wounds.
The Arrest and Charges of Osteen
Osteen was taken into custody after the shooting and accused of first-degree murder, child abuse, possession of a firearm, and theft. According to the arrest report, she was being held without bond and will be subject to additional legal action.
With the violent attack taking place in front of numerous children at a daycare, the crime’s startling nature has left the neighborhood in shock.
Fortunately, none of the children—including Osteen and Jones’s two children—were hurt physically, but it is anticipated that seeing such violence will have a profound emotional impact.
Given that it happened in front of their kids at a daycare, Mindy Osteen’s shooting death of Christopher Jones is an extremely tragic event.
Osteen’s claims of self-defense remain unclear, and new information might surface as the inquiry goes forward. She is still being held for the time being since she is facing significant accusations for the murder.
