Mindy Osteen, 34, was sentenced to 100 years after pleading no contest to charges in the July 25, 2025, shooting death of 37-year-old Christopher Travis Jones outside Auntie Lili's Child Care Center in Starke, Florida. Reports say Osteen hugged Jones and their two young sons minutes earlier, then retrieved a gun from her backpack and fired into the vehicle while Jones sat in the driver’s seat. Jones died at a local hospital; both children were in the car. Osteen pleaded no contest to second-degree murder, firearm-related charges, discharging a weapon within 1,000 feet of a school, and shooting into a vehicle.
Florida Mother Sentenced to 100 Years After Shooting Children's Father During Daycare Pickup
Christopher Jones (left); and Mindy Osteen.Credit: Gofundme; WCJB TV20 News/YouTube
A Florida mother has been sentenced to 100 years in prison after pleading no contest to charges in the July 25, 2025, shooting that killed the father of her children outside a Starke daycare.
What Happened
According to law enforcement reports, 34-year-old Mindy Osteen approached 37-year-old Christopher Travis Jones outside Auntie Lili's Child Care Center in Starke, Florida, after he picked up their two young sons. Witnesses and the arrest report say Osteen hugged Jones and the children moments earlier. Minutes later, as Jones placed the boys in the backseat and sat behind the wheel, Osteen retrieved a firearm from her backpack and fired into the vehicle three times.
Jones attempted to flee the car and seek shelter inside the daycare, but Osteen continued shooting. Responding deputies found Jones with multiple gunshot wounds; he was transported to a nearby hospital and later died from his injuries. Osteen was taken into custody at the scene.
Christopher Jones (left); and Christopher Jones with his two sons.Credit: Chris Jones/Facebook; Gofundme
Charges, Plea and Sentence
Osteen entered a no-contest plea to second-degree murder, multiple firearm-related charges, discharging a weapon within 1,000 feet of a school, and shooting into a vehicle, according to local reports. A no-contest plea (nolo contendere) means the defendant does not formally admit guilt but does not dispute the charges; it carries the same criminal consequences as a guilty plea in most cases.
She was sentenced to 100 years behind bars and ordered not to contact Jones' family.
Aftermath and Community Response
A GoFundMe established after the shooting described Jones as a devoted father who had worked to support and be present for his children. The fundraiser helped cover funeral and related expenses for the family. The Bradford County Sheriff's Office led the initial investigation.
"He worked hard every day to provide for them, to be present, and to become the kind of man they could always look up to," the fundraiser read.
If you suspect child abuse or need support, the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or online at www.childhelp.org. All calls are confidential and toll-free.
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