STARKE, FL — July 26, 2025 — A routine Friday afternoon pickup at a local daycare turned into a scene of unthinkable violence in Starke, Florida, after a woman fatally shot the father of her child outside the facility in what authorities are describing as a domestic-related incident.

The shooting occurred around 6:00 p.m. on July 25 outside Auntie Lili’s Child Care Center, located near West Washington Street and North Lake Street. Both individuals had arrived separately to pick up their children when the confrontation escalated into gunfire.

According to the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office, 34-year-old Mindy Osteen allegedly shot 37-year-old Christopher Jones multiple times in the parking lot of the daycare. Witnesses say parents and children nearby were left in shock and scrambling for safety as the sound of gunfire rang out.

Victim Pronounced Dead at Hospital

Jones was quickly transported to a local hospital by emergency medical personnel but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival due to the severity of his injuries. Officials have not released details about how many times he was struck or what may have triggered the deadly altercation.

Osteen was arrested at the scene without incident, and deputies recovered the firearm believed to have been used in the shooting shortly after taking her into custody. She now faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder, though formal charges are still pending review by the State Attorney’s Office.

Daycare Shooting Shocks Community

The shooting took place during peak pickup time at the daycare, heightening concerns among parents and caregivers about safety protocols and the growing impact of domestic violence spilling into public spaces.

A parent who was inside the facility at the time of the incident described the moment as terrifying:

“All we heard was shouting, then several loud pops. We grabbed our kids and ran inside. The staff did their best to keep everyone calm, but it was chaos,” said one mother, who asked to remain anonymous.

Thankfully, no children were physically injured during the incident. Staff at Auntie Lili’s Child Care Center are said to be cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.

Domestic Violence Angle Under Investigation

Authorities are continuing to investigate the relationship between Osteen and Jones. Preliminary reports indicate they shared at least one child and had previously experienced domestic tensions. Law enforcement is reviewing past complaints, if any, and attempting to determine whether any protective orders or custody disputes were active at the time of the incident.

“This appears to be a domestic-related shooting,” a spokesperson for the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office said during a Friday night briefing. “It’s tragic. Anytime children are present during violence, it’s especially heartbreaking.”

Legal Proceedings Ahead

Osteen is currently being held in the Bradford County Jail and is expected to make her first court appearance early next week. Prosecutors have not yet confirmed whether additional charges, such as endangering the welfare of a child, will be filed.

Authorities have also reached out to family services to ensure the child or children involved are receiving proper care and support.

Community Calls for Peace and Protection

The fatal shooting has left the Starke community grieving and calling for greater awareness of domestic violence and the risks posed when volatile relationships are not addressed through the proper legal and support channels.

“This is a tragedy on so many levels,” said a local pastor at a vigil being planned in Jones’s memory. “A father is gone, children were exposed to horror, and lives are forever changed. We need to take care of each other and listen when someone says they need help.”

Support services are being offered to daycare families affected by the trauma, including counseling and crisis response teams coordinated by local nonprofits and the school district.