Deadly Shooting Outside Starke Daycare: Mother Arrested in Fatal Confrontation with Child’s Father
STARKE, FL — July 26, 2025 — What began as a routine daycare pickup on Friday evening ended in tragedy when a domestic dispute escalated into a fatal shooting in the parking lot of Auntie Lili’s Child Care Center in Starke, Florida. A mother has been arrested in connection with the killing of her child’s father, an act that unfolded in full view of families and children.
According to the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office, 34-year-old Mindy Osteen allegedly opened fire on 37-year-old Christopher Jones, shooting him multiple times during a heated confrontation around 6:00 p.m. near West Washington Street and North Lake Street.
Jones was rushed to a nearby hospital by emergency responders but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival due to his injuries. Investigators believe both parents had arrived independently to pick up their child when an altercation occurred outside the facility.
Arrest Made at the Scene
Authorities say Osteen remained at the scene after the shooting and was taken into custody without incident. A firearm believed to be the weapon used was recovered by deputies shortly afterward. She was later booked into the Bradford County Jail, where she remains held pending formal charges.
While a motive has not been publicly confirmed, officials have stated that the incident appears to stem from a domestic-related dispute. Investigators are now working to determine what led to the deadly confrontation and whether there had been any history of prior conflict or threats.
Shocking Scene at Local Daycare
Witnesses at the scene described the moments after the shooting as chaotic and terrifying. Parents, children, and daycare staff were caught off guard as the confrontation turned violent. Many ran for cover or sought shelter inside the building.
“It was just a regular pickup, and then suddenly there was shouting and then gunshots,” said one parent, who asked not to be identified. “We grabbed our kids and ran back inside. The kids were scared, and so were we.”
Auntie Lili’s Child Care Center remained closed on Saturday out of respect for the families involved and to allow staff and families time to process the trauma. The center issued a brief statement extending condolences and offering resources to affected families.
Authorities Investigating Domestic Violence Angle
Investigators have confirmed that Osteen and Jones shared at least one child. It is not yet known if any active custody disputes, restraining orders, or prior domestic violence complaints were on file. The State Attorney’s Office is expected to review the case early next week and determine what charges will be formally filed.
“We are treating this as a domestic-related homicide,” said a spokesperson for the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office. “This is a tragic reminder of the danger that can arise when domestic violence enters public spaces — especially ones where children are present.”
The Florida Department of Children and Families has also been notified and is ensuring that any minors involved are being cared for and offered appropriate counseling.
Community Reeling, Vigil Being Planned
The shooting has sent shockwaves through the Starke community. Neighbors, family members, and concerned citizens gathered Friday night to mourn the loss of Christopher Jones, who friends described as “a caring father” and “a quiet, hard-working man who loved his kids.”
A candlelight vigil is currently being organized for early next week in Jones’s memory.
“This wasn’t just violence — this was a tragedy that unfolded in front of children,” said Rev. Carl Jennings, who is helping plan the vigil. “We need healing. And we need to protect families from reaching this point.”
Legal Proceedings Ahead
As of Saturday, Mindy Osteen has not made a court appearance. It is expected that she will face charges including second-degree murder and potentially child endangerment. The investigation remains active, and more details are expected in the coming days.