Local Milwaukee reporter Pavlina Osta shared on social media Sunday that her father was killed in a shooting at the family's jewelry business in Florida.
The Daytona Beach News-Journal reported Friday that 83-year-old John Craiger shot and killed Ghazi (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.
A GoFundMe set up by the family 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.
The Osta family is seeking donations to manage hospital and funeral expenses. Just over $1,000 of their $40,000 goal was raised by early Sunday 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 family will never be the same. Our lives will be so empty and quieter without him. This is an overwhelmingly difficult time in our lives, and we are asking for help within our community."
Pavlina Osta, one of four children in the family, joined CBS58 in spring as an anchor and reporter after working in Michigan and New York City. In an Instagram post Sunday morning, Osta said "this pain is excruciating."
Osta said she is back home with her family, adding she planned to make a weekend visit to Florida before her flights were canceled. Flights were canceled or delayed at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport this weekend due to a global technology outage.
"I miss him so so much. Just knowing I was so close to seeing him ... makes it all the more unbearable," Osta said. "Please keep us in your prayers as we try to navigate this new reality."
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