CrimeAug 07, 2024
Authorities Arrest Alleged ‘Black Bin Crew’ Jewelry ThievesCrimeAug 13, 2024
Suspect Indicted in July Murder of Florida Jeweler
John Craiger, 83, faces a charge of first-degree murder in the death of Ghazi “Gus” Osta, owner of Volusia Gold & Diamond in Daytona Beach.
A Volusia County grand jury has indicted John Willard Craiger, 83, on charges of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder following the July 19 shooting death of Ghazi “Gus” Michel Osta. Osta owned Volusia Gold & Diamond in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Daytona Beach, Fla.—John Willard Craiger, 83, has been indicted on murder charges in the death of Florida jeweler Ghazi “Gus” Michel Osta.
On July 19, Craiger, said to be a frequent customer at Osta’s store, Volusia Gold & Diamond, entered the store before 1 p.m. and approached the jeweler while he was working behind the counter.
Following a “brief verbal altercation,” Craiger pulled a small revolver out of the right-front pocket of his pants and shot Osta in the head, according to police and the charging affidavit filed in the case.
Osta died of his injuries at the hospital.
A store employee, later identified as the victim’s son, David Osta, exchanged gunfire with Craiger.
Another employee approached Craiger from behind and struck him in the head with what appears to be a small statue, according to the affidavit.
Craiger fell to the ground, revolver in hand, and was struck again, this time with a small brass-colored vase.
Craiger was shot multiple times in the legs and also sustained a head injury, police said. The two store employees were not injured.
He was booked at the Volusia County Jail on July 31. He had been in the hospital recovering from a gunshot wound and head injuries, according to a local news report from WKMG/ClickOrlando.com.
The week of Aug. 5, a Volusia County grand jury indicted Craiger on charges of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder, the state attorney’s office for Florida’s seventh judicial circuit announced via Facebook.
His was one of five cases the grand jury heard that week.
Related stories will be right here …
On July 19, Craiger, said to be a frequent customer at Osta’s store, Volusia Gold & Diamond, entered the store before 1 p.m. and approached the jeweler while he was working behind the counter.
Following a “brief verbal altercation,” Craiger pulled a small revolver out of the right-front pocket of his pants and shot Osta in the head, according to police and the charging affidavit filed in the case.
Osta died of his injuries at the hospital.
A store employee, later identified as the victim’s son, David Osta, exchanged gunfire with Craiger.
Another employee approached Craiger from behind and struck him in the head with what appears to be a small statue, according to the affidavit.
Craiger fell to the ground, revolver in hand, and was struck again, this time with a small brass-colored vase.
Craiger was shot multiple times in the legs and also sustained a head injury, police said. The two store employees were not injured.
He was booked at the Volusia County Jail on July 31. He had been in the hospital recovering from a gunshot wound and head injuries, according to a local news report from WKMG/ClickOrlando.com.
The week of Aug. 5, a Volusia County grand jury indicted Craiger on charges of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder, the state attorney’s office for Florida’s seventh judicial circuit announced via Facebook.
His was one of five cases the grand jury heard that week.
Osta was remembered by his family as “a loving father, brother, and friend to so many. He had the soul of a lion and always wore his heart on his sleeve.”
A native of Lebanon who immigrated to the United States, Ghazi opened Volusia Gold & Diamond 38 years ago alongside his wife, Leigh Osta.
Together, they had four children: Sienna, David, Pavlina, and Fiona Osta.
“His energy, generosity, and passion for life could be felt by all those who came into contact with him. Our dad was always striving to help those around him. He loved his community, and they loved him back. He will be deeply missed,” said his family.
A GoFundMe page for the family had raised more than $14,000 as of press time.
The Latest
FinancialsMar 23, 2026
Movado’s Q4 Sales Rise As Demand Grows From Younger Shoppers, WomenMovado CEO Efraim Grinberg noted continued strength in the fashion watch and accessible luxury segments in the U.S.
TrendsMar 23, 2026
Marco Bicego’s New Campaign Showcases ‘The Art of Craft’After celebrating 25 years in 2025, the campaign marks a new chapter for the jewelry brand with the message that “Identity Creates Value.”
Events & AwardsMar 23, 2026
These Watch Brands Are Heading to Couture This YearCouture and Time to Watches announced the watch brands, from big names to independents, attendees will see at the show.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
FinancialsMar 20, 2026
Macy’s Turnaround Plans Shows Promise, Boosted by Bloomingdale’sPlus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.
Weekly QuizMar 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsMar 20, 2026
Sotheby's, De Beers Unveil ‘Jwaneng 28.88’ DiamondThe flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.
TrendsMar 20, 2026
‘Frankenstein’ Costume Designer Is Bejeweled In Brooches for Oscars WinCostume designer Kate Hawley wore three archival Tiffany & Co. brooches, our Pieces of the Week, while accepting her first Oscar.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
FinancialsMar 19, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Close 100 Stores, Shutter James Allen BannerThe jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.
SurveysMar 19, 2026
NRF Forecasts 4% Retail Sales Growth in 2026From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.
AuctionsMar 19, 2026
26-Carat Diamond Tops $1M at AuctionThe historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.
Events & AwardsMar 19, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.
AuctionsMar 18, 2026
Collection of the ‘Severely Beautiful’ Lady Wardington Fetches $161KThe model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.
PodcastsMar 18, 2026
Episode 3: An Interview With Jewelry Designer Johnny NelsonFresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.
SourcingMar 18, 2026
Lucara Recovers Nearly 37-Carat Blue DiamondThe “stunning” Type IIb stone was found via x-ray technology at its Karowe mine in Botswana.
MajorsMar 18, 2026
Stuller Releases New Edition of Jewelry Education Book“The Basics of Jewelry” has been updated to include modern topics and visuals.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2026
The Best Moments From the 2026 Gem Awards Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.
SourcingMar 17, 2026
Cruzeiro Mine Debuts ‘Winter Tourmaline’The Brazilian mine’s new collection features cabochons in soft, muted shades like silver and lilac.
TrendsMar 17, 2026
Natalie Portman Is Tiffany & Co.’s New AmbassadorThe Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.
MajorsMar 17, 2026
Kering Establishes Jewelry Division, Appoints CEOThe organizational change follows Kering’s promise of a transformation after declining sales in 2025.
EditorsMar 16, 2026
2026 Oscars Jewelry: One Necklace After AnotherNatalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.
WatchesMar 16, 2026
TAG Heuer Has a New CEOBéatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.
IndependentsMar 16, 2026
Ben Bridge Debuts New Honolulu BoutiqueThe store features the first in-store build for the jeweler’s in-house “Bella Ponte” bridal brand.
AuctionsMar 16, 2026
Bonhams Paris To Offer Antique, Signed Jewels The live fine jewelry auction will take place later this week, showcasing antique pieces, rare gemstones, and signed jewels.
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry DesignOur Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch CollectionThe 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.
SourcingMar 13, 2026
Andrea Pooler Joins Third-Generation Diamond Company as COO Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.
