Christopher Jones’ family urges awareness about domestic violence after his shooting by ex-partner Mindy Osteen, who’s charged with his murder.
BRADFORD COUNTY, Fla. — The sister of a Bradford County man, who was tragically shot and killed in front of a daycare, is now speaking up, stating that this heartbreaking event could have been avoided.
Christopher Jones, 37, was gunned down last Friday in Starke. The accused shooter is the mother of his children, 34-year-old Mindy Osteen.
“He was such an amazing father,” said Melanie Russo, Jones’ sister, “I mean he worked so hard and when he wasn’t working he was with those boys.”
Devoted and loving father is how Melanie Russo wants her brother, Chris, to be remembered.
According to Bradford County police, on July 25, Jones was shot and killed by Osteen.
Russo said Jones was picking up his sons from daycare when Osteen showed up unexpectedly and started shooting at him. He later died at a hospital.
“How can someone plan and carry out a murder in front of their own children, putting them in danger? They could have been injured; they were in the car right behind him when she opened fire,” Russo expressed.
Legal documents reveal that Osteen possesses a lengthy criminal background stretching over ten years, encompassing offenses such as battery, drug possession, fraud, and child cruelty.
Russo said her brother had raised concerns about Osteen’s behavior during their relationship.
“You could see it in her text messages, her stalking, her harassment during child pick-ups and drop-offs,” she said. “He would sometimes call me for help, saying ‘I don’t know what to do. She’s acting this way,’ and I would offer the best advice I could, which was to leave that situation. No one anticipated it would go this far.”
Now the couple’s two young sons are in the care of relatives, left to grow up without both parents.
“The eldest son was beside me, and when he saw a picture of his Dad, he said ‘Daddy, Daddy’, and I could only reassure him that Daddy loves him,” Russo shared. “All we can do is keep his memory alive, remind them how much he sacrificed for them, that’s all we can do right now.”
Jones’ family is urging others to speak out about domestic violence, regardless of gender.
Mindy Osteen remains detained without bond in Bradford County Jail. She faces charges including first-degree murder, child cruelty, weapon possession, and larceny.
