Tragedy Outside Daycare: Fatal Domestic-Related Shooting in Starke Leaves One Dead
STARKE, FL — A tragic incident unfolded Friday evening in Starke, Florida, when a domestic-related dispute turned deadly outside a local daycare facility. According to the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office, a man was fatally shot just before 6 p.m. near the intersection of West Washington Street and North Lake Street, in front of Auntie Lili’s Child Care Center.
Authorities received a 911 call reporting the shooting, prompting a swift response from law enforcement and emergency personnel. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a man suffering from critical gunshot wounds. He was immediately transported to a nearby emergency room, where he was later pronounced dead.
The suspect in the shooting, 34-year-old Mindy Osteen, was taken into custody at the scene without incident. Deputies were able to recover the firearm believed to have been used in the shooting shortly after her arrest.
The confrontation reportedly occurred as both Osteen and the deceased man arrived at the daycare to pick up their children. Law enforcement officials confirmed that the two individuals shared a history of domestic violence, though the nature of their relationship at the time of the shooting remains under investigation.
As a precautionary measure, a nearby high school was placed on lockdown following the shooting to ensure student and staff safety. Thankfully, no children were physically harmed during the incident, and staff members at the daycare acted quickly to protect those inside.
The shocking event has left the Starke community shaken, especially those connected to the daycare and local schools. Parents and guardians expressed fear and sorrow as they learned of the violence occurring in a place meant to be safe for young children.
Sheriff’s deputies and forensic teams are continuing to process the scene, and investigators are working to piece together the events leading up to the fatal shooting. While Mindy Osteen remains in custody, formal charges are expected to be announced as the investigation progresses.
A 2015 mugshot of Osteen released by the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office has drawn renewed attention to her past interactions with law enforcement. Officials noted that both parties had a documented history of domestic disputes, underscoring the complexities and dangers often present in volatile family dynamics.
This devastating loss of life outside a place dedicated to nurturing children serves as a sobering reminder of how domestic conflicts can escalate into public tragedies. Community members are now rallying around the children affected by the incident and calling for increased awareness and resources for domestic violence prevention.
As Starke mourns, local leaders and mental health professionals urge those impacted to seek counseling and support. The daycare and school district have pledged to offer emotional resources to families and staff.
Further details, including the identity of the deceased and upcoming legal proceedings, are expected to be released by the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office in the coming days.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office.