CBS 58 TV reporter, Pavlina Osta’s father Ghazi (Gus) Osta, was killed at their Florida jewelry business.
A GoFundMe has been started by the family of Milwaukee, WI CBS 58 reporter Pavlina Osta who shared on social media Sunday, July 21st, that her father Ghazi (Gus) Michel Osta, 68, was killed in a shooting at the family’s jewelry business in Florida.
Ghazi was the victim of a horrific act of violence by a frequent customer.
The Daytona Beach News-Journal reported Friday that 83-year-old John Craiger shot and killed Gus Osta at Volusia Gold & Diamond. Craiger is charged with one count of first-degree murder and one count of attempted first-degree murder.
Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young said the shooting appeared to be a dispute between Osta and Craiger, who was a customer, rather
than a robbery. The Osta family is seeking donations to manage hospital and funeral expenses. Just over $3,000 of their $40,000 goal was raised by Monday afternoon.
“Our dad was always striving to help those around him. He loved his community, and they loved him back. He will be deeply missed,” the family wrote. “Our lives will be so empty and quieter without him.”
A GoFundMe set up by the family (by Pavlina’s sister Sienna) confirmed Osta was a victim of a horrific act of violence by a frequent customer. The family said an employee who shot and wounded Craiger saved himself and two other employees.
“On Friday, July 19, 2024, our lives were changed forever,” Pavlina wrote. “Our dad was a loving father and cherished husband. He was murdered at our family jewelry store, started by our parents 38 years ago in Daytona Beach.”
His daughter added, “On behalf of our father, as survivors—Leigh Osta, his wife; and family Sienna, David, Pavlina, and Fiona—we are reaching out for support during this difficult time.”
Gus, or “Boo-boo” to those who knew him well, was a loving father, brother, and friend to many.
“He had the soul of a lion and always wore his heart on his sleeve. His energy, generosity, and passion for life could be felt by all those who came into contact with him,” his family writes. “Our dad was always striving to help those around him. He loved his community, and they
loved him back. He will be deeply missed.”
This is an overwhelmingly difficult time for the family. “Your donations will provide support for our family as we manage hospital and funeral expenses, and life ahead without Daddy,” the GoFundMe states. “We want to celebrate his life with a funeral worthy of what he deserves. As
he would say, ‘the best ever.’ Your generosity means the world.”
To learn more about their GoFundMe page, click here.
