A Florida woman has been sentenced to 100 years in prison after admitting she fatally shot the father of her children outside a daycare while he was picking up their children. The shooting, which occurred in front of a childcare facility filled with children and staff, ended with the victim’s death and multiple felony convictions for the shooter.
Mother Receives 100-Year Prison Sentence
Mindy Osteen, 35, was sentenced after pleading guilty to several charges connected to the fatal shooting of Christopher Jones, the father of her children.
The shooting took place in July 2025 outside Auntie Lili’s Daycare in Starke, Florida, located about 45 miles southwest of Jacksonville.
As part of her plea agreement, Osteen admitted guilt to:
- Second-degree murder
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
- Discharging a firearm during school activity or within 1,000 feet of a school
- Shooting or throwing deadly missiles into dwellings, buildings, or vehicles
- Grand theft of a firearm
The sentence effectively ensures she will spend the rest of her life behind bars.
Father Was Picking Up Their Children
According to investigators, Christopher Jones had arrived at the daycare to pick up the couple’s children when the attack unfolded.
Witnesses told authorities that Jones was placing the children’s car seats into his vehicle and preparing to leave when Osteen approached him.
Police said Osteen had concealed an Arex Delta 9 mm handgun inside a backpack before the shooting.
Security camera footage reportedly showed her watching Jones closely as he loaded the children into the vehicle.
Security Video Captured the Shooting
According to the arrest report, surveillance footage showed Jones sitting in the driver’s seat of his vehicle with the driver’s door open.
Investigators said Osteen walked directly toward him and suddenly opened fire.
Authorities stated she fired three shots, briefly stepped backward, then moved closer again and fired two additional rounds while Jones screamed in pain.
The attack occurred just outside the daycare entrance during evening pickup hours.
Chilling Statements During the Attack
Police said Osteen made several disturbing remarks while repeatedly shooting Jones.
According to the arrest report, she allegedly told him:
“You got to die.”
She also reportedly said:
“Please, let the monster die.”
After the shooting, Osteen allegedly stated:
“Chris, you can’t kill [redacted].”
Authorities noted that the name referenced in that statement was removed from public records, making it unclear whom she was referring to.
Jones reportedly responded:
“I’m not killing nobody.”
Children and Staff Were Inside the Daycare
Investigators said the shooting happened while the daycare was occupied.
At the time of the attack:
- At least six children were inside the facility.
- Two daycare employees were also present.
Although no children or staff members were physically injured, authorities emphasized that the incident placed numerous people in danger.
Deputies Arrived Moments Later
Bradford County Sheriff’s deputies responded quickly after receiving reports of gunfire.
When officers arrived, Jones identified Osteen as the person who had shot him.
Meanwhile, Osteen reportedly remained at the scene.
According to deputies, she told them:
“I’m right here, y’all. I done it in self-defense.”
Despite emergency medical treatment, Jones was transported to a nearby hospital where he later died from his gunshot wounds.
Initial Charges and Guilty Plea
Following her arrest, prosecutors initially charged Osteen with:
- First-degree murder
- Cruelty toward a child
- Possession of a weapon by a convicted felon
- Grand theft of a firearm
The case was later resolved through a guilty plea.
Osteen admitted responsibility for second-degree murder along with several additional firearm-related offenses.
Court Hands Down 100-Year Sentence
After accepting Osteen’s guilty plea, the court imposed a 100-year prison sentence.
The punishment reflects both the fatal shooting and the multiple firearm offenses connected to the attack, which occurred at a daycare while numerous children were nearby.
Case Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Mindy Osteen, 35 |
| Victim | Christopher Jones |
| Location | Auntie Lili’s Daycare, Starke, Florida |
| Incident Date | July 25, 2025 |
| Weapon Used | Arex Delta 9 mm handgun |
| Children Present | At least 6 |
| Employees Present | 2 |
| Conviction | Second-degree murder and multiple firearm offenses |
| Sentence | 100 years in prison |
The case drew significant attention because of the public nature of the shooting and the fact that it occurred during a daycare pickup while several children and staff members were inside the facility. Investigators said surveillance video, witness statements, and evidence collected at the scene played key roles in the prosecution, ultimately leading to Osteen’s guilty plea and lengthy prison sentence.
