STARKE, FL – Authorities are investigating a deadly shooting that unfolded Friday evening outside a day care center in northern Florida, leaving one man dead and a woman in custody. The incident reportedly occurred as the man was picking up his children, sparking panic among those present at the facility.
Police said Mindy Osteen, 34, confronted Christopher Jones as he attempted to collect their two children from Auntie Lili’s Daycare in Starke, approximately 45 miles southwest of Jacksonville. According to law enforcement documents, Osteen allegedly drew a concealed 9 mm handgun and fired multiple shots at Jones while making disturbing statements.
At the time of the shooting, at least six children and two staff members were inside the day care, though none were physically harmed. Witnesses recounted seeing Osteen approach Jones as he helped his children into his car. Security video reportedly captured Osteen lingering nearby with a backpack before the attack began.
Investigators say Jones was in the process of securing the child seats in his vehicle when Osteen approached. She fired three shots, briefly stepped back, and then fired two more rounds, according to the arrest report. Jones could be heard screaming for help, witnesses told authorities.
After the shots rang out, deputies from the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene. Staff from the day care quickly identified Osteen as the shooter. When confronted by law enforcement, Osteen reportedly admitted to the shooting, claiming it was an act of self-defense. The specific circumstances leading up to the shooting have not yet been fully disclosed.
Jones was rushed to a local hospital, but medical staff were unable to save him. He died from his injuries a short time later.
Records indicate that Osteen faces several criminal charges, including first-degree murder, cruelty toward a child, possession of a weapon during a felony, and larceny. Authorities confirmed she was held without bond as of Monday.
Detectives are now combing through security footage and interviewing witnesses in an attempt to reconstruct the moments that led up to the shooting. The police affidavit notes that some specific details, including the names of the children, were redacted from initial reports to protect their privacy.