BRADFORD COUNTY, FL — A horrifying act of violence unfolded at a Florida day care center, leaving a community stunned and a family shattered. Mindy Osteen, 34, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder and multiple other offenses after she allegedly shot and killed Christopher Travis Jones, 37, the father of her children, in front of their kids during a routine pickup at a day care.
The incident occurred last Friday at Auntie Lili’s Daycare in Bradford County, where Jones had gone to pick up the couple’s two young children. According to an arrest report from the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting was witnessed by multiple people, including day care employees and children.
Deadly Encounter Unfolded in Front of Children
Authorities say Osteen approached the day care with a backpack and greeted Jones and the children with a hug as he exited the facility. After helping place the children in the back seat of his vehicle, Jones got into the driver’s seat.
That’s when, investigators say, Osteen pulled a firearm out of her backpack and fired three shots into the car, aiming directly at Jones. Witnesses reported seeing her back away slightly before firing two more rounds at the vehicle.
Jones, critically injured, managed to open the car door and flee, but Osteen allegedly fired again as he attempted to escape. According to detectives, he ran back toward the day care building for safety. However, once inside the first set of doors, he found himself trapped in the vestibule area between the two secured doors.
It was there, deputies say, that Osteen caught up to him and fired three additional shots. Her weapon then malfunctioned, prompting her to briefly step outside the facility to clear it. Witnesses overheard her yelling, “Please, let the monster die.”
Moments later, she returned, stood over Jones, and declared, “You got to die … you can’t kill my kids.” Jones, bleeding and cornered, reportedly responded, “I’m not killing nobody.”
Osteen Claims Self-Defense at the Scene
When deputies from the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office arrived, Jones was still alive and identified Osteen as the shooter before being transported to the hospital. Sadly, he succumbed to his injuries shortly afterward.
Osteen, according to responding deputies, did not flee. She reportedly raised her hands and told officers, “I’m right here, y’all. I done it in self-defense.”
Despite the claim, investigators say the evidence and witness statements contradict the assertion that the shooting was defensive in nature. Sheriff’s officials confirmed that Osteen and Jones’s two young children were in the car during the shooting. Additionally, six other children and two day care employees were inside the facility at the time, narrowly escaping physical harm but left emotionally traumatized.
Serious Charges Filed
Osteen was booked into the Bradford County Jail and is facing a host of charges, including:
- First-degree murder
- Cruelty toward a child
- Possession of a weapon by a convicted felon
- Larceny
Authorities have not yet confirmed a motive beyond the statements heard at the scene. Sheriff’s deputies noted that they are exploring prior incidents between the two parents, including any history of domestic conflict.
A Community Shaken
The tragic and public nature of the incident has sent shockwaves throughout the Bradford County community. Auntie Lili’s Daycare remains closed indefinitely as counselors are made available to the children and staff who witnessed the violence.
“This is one of the most disturbing incidents we’ve seen in a very long time,” said one sheriff’s spokesperson. “Not only did this happen in broad daylight, but it took place in front of children — her own children. This level of violence is incomprehensible.”
Next Steps
As of now, Mindy Osteen remains in custody with no bond. Her next court appearance is pending, and officials say further charges may be considered as the investigation progresses.
The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) has been notified and is involved in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the children who were present, including Osteen and Jones’s two kids.
The case continues to develop as law enforcement works to piece together the full context behind what they are calling a “premeditated and deeply traumatic” act of domestic violence.
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