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A woman who gunned down her husband and claimed she acted in “self-defense” has been sentenced to 100 years in prison. On July 25, 2025, Mindy Osteen, 34, shot at her husband, Christopher Jones, 37, multiple times while he sat in a car with their children. Surveillance footage after after firing three shots, the 34-year-old placed the firearm in the vehicle and said, “Please let the monster die.”
According to People, Osteen pleaded no contest to second-degree murder, several firearm-related charges, discharging a weapon within 1,000 feet of a school, and shooting into a vehicle. A no-contest plea means the defendant does not admit guilt but accepts punishment. Osteen has been sentenced to 100 years in prison.
The July 2025 killing occurred when Osteen and Jones went to Auntie Lili’s Daycare to pick up their two children. Surveillance footage showed children leaving the daycare and greeting Osteen before entering the vehicle. The 34-year-old hugged her two children and Jones before shooting.
As Jones placed the children in the car and sat in the front seat, Osteen retrieved a gun from her bag and shot him three times. Authorities said the gunfire continued after Jones exited the car and attempted to seek help at the daycare. When officers arrived, Jones was conscious and identified Osteen as the shooter, investigators said.
Why Did Mindy Osteen Claim She Acted in Self-Defense?
Jones was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Osteen surrendered at the scene and told deputies that she acted in self-defense.
Surveillance footage revealed the words Osteen said to Jones following the shooting. “Please let the monster die,” Osteen said. She then told Jones, “You got to die, Chris. You can’t kill (redacted).” Jones responded, “Help me,” to which Osteen said, “Chris, you can’t kill (redacted).” Jones said, “I’m not killing nobody.” The arrest report redacted the name of the person whom Osteen claimed Jones would kill.
Christopher Jones’ Family Launches Fundraiser After His Death
As of writing, it remains unclear whom Osteen was referring to. Following the killing of Christopher Jones, a fundraiser was set up to support his funeral and the two boys “he left behind.” The fundraiser has raised $11,300 as of writing, out of a $14,000 goal.
“Chris may be gone, but his legacy lives on through his children,” the fundraiser description said. “Your support means the world to us and to them. Please consider donating, sharing, and keeping his family in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”
