John Willard Craiger, 83, was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of jeweler Ghazi “Gus” Michel Osta. (Image courtesy of the Volusia County Division of Corrections)
Daytona Beach, Fla.—John Willard Craiger, 83, has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Florida jeweler Ghazi “Gus” Michel Osta.
Craiger pleaded guilty to first-degree murder with a firearm and attempted first-degree murder in open court on Nov. 26 and was sentenced to life in prison, according to The Daytona Beach News-Journal.
On July 19, Craiger, said to be a frequent customer at Osta’s store, Volusia Gold & Diamond, entered the store around 1 p.m. and approached the jeweler while he was working behind the counter.
Witnesses told police that Craiger was arguing with Osta over a jewelry transaction and challenged Osta to a fight in the parking lot, the News-Journal reported.
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.
Ghazi Osta was the owner and president of Volusia Gold & Diamond, a store he and his wife, Leigh Osta, opened in 1986. In July, he was shot to death inside his store by John Willard Craiger, who recently was sentenced to life in prison. (Photo courtesy of Volusia Gold & Diamond Facebook page)
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 appeared 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.
He was shot multiple times in the legs and also sustained a head injury, police said. The two store employees were not injured.
Craiger was booked at the Volusia County Jail on July 31 after recovering from a gunshot wound and head injuries at a local hospital.
He was indicted by a Volusia County grand jury the week of Aug. 5.
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Osta is 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 $15,900 as of press time.
