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Daytona Beach Jewelry Store Owner Fatally Shot July 23, 2024 (1 comment)
Daytona Beach, FL--The owner of a jewelry store in this Florida beach city was shot to death by a customer following an argument, according to numerous news reports.
The victim was identified as the owner of Volusia Gold & Diamond store, Ghazi “Gus” Osta, 68, widely known as “Boo Boo,” according to the WFTV9. He was shot by was shot by 83-year-old John Craiger following an argument. It was part of a double shooting in the store. The shooting happened on July 19. According to various reports, just before 1 p.m.
[Ghazi “Gus” Osta owner of Volusia Gold & Diamond. Photo credit: Volusia Gold & Diamond Facebook page]
According to a charging affidavit, surveillance footage from inside the store at 536 W. International Speedway Blvd. showed a male customer walking up to the counter and having a verbal altercation with an employee behind the counter, News6 in Orlando reported. The suspect then walks away from the counter, pulls out a small revolver from his pants pocket, walks back, and fires his gun directly at the employee.
A store employee shot Craiger, who was taken to a hospital, police reportedly said. Another person struck in the head with a small statue from behind, causing Craiger to fall to the ground. Police reportedly said that the same witness also put Craiger in a headlock and struck him several times with their fists before hitting Craiger’s head with a small brass-colored vase, News6 reported.
Ghazi leaves behind four daughters and a son, WESH2 in Orlando reported. The news station interviewed Chazi’s wife and two daughters.
“He was one of a kind. He was sort of a special character and I think that he had that it factor of everyone loving him,” Leigh Osta, Ghazi’s wife, told the station. “He was so tough, he was just a strong, strong man. And you thought he was going to live forever.”
Ghazi’s family told the news station Ghazi knew the man who shot him. They believe he went to the store with a mission to kill.
Leigh Osta added that it was her son who shot Craiger, and it was another store employee who hit and restrained Craiger from behind.
Customers and friends of the family stopped by the store Monday to pay their respects, WESH2 reported. The family has owned the jewelry store for 38 years.
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