Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder of Florida Jeweler
John Willard Craiger, 83, fatally shot jeweler Ghazi “Gus” Michel Osta following an argument in the store.

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.
He had initially pleaded not guilty in August.
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.
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.
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.
The Latest

It is part of Sotheby’s “Royal & Noble Jewels” sale along with an ornate hair ornament and an old mine-cut light pink diamond ring.

Hill Management Group will oversee, market, and produce next year’s spring show.

The retailer, which has faced struggling sales in recent quarters, is looking to streamline its operations.

From sunlit whites to smoky whiskeys, introduce your clients to extraordinary diamonds in colors as unique as their love.

London-based investment firm Pemberton Asset Management acquired the auction house for an undisclosed amount.


The workshop will give attendees the chance to try out and ask questions about three different diamond verification instruments.

Founder and designer Rosanna Fiedler looked to a vintage Cartier clutch when designing the sunlight-inspired drop earrings.

As the holiday season quickly approaches, consider stocking one category that sometimes gets overlooked: earrings.

The luxury conglomerates faced a challenging Q3 amid geopolitical and economic tensions.

The struggling diamond mining company, which owns the historic Cullinan mine, has launched a rights issue to raise about $25 million.

The book details the journey of watches as symbols of hard-earned success in hip-hop for artists like 2Pac, Jay-Z, and more.

Alexis Vourvoulis, who most recently worked at Tiffany & Co., brings more than two decades of jewelry experience to her new role.

The superstar’s August engagement put the stamp of approval on an already hot engagement ring trend.

Retailers should offer classic styles with a twist that are a perfect fit for layered looks, experts say.

The nearly 7-carat fancy vivid purplish pink diamond could sell for around $9 million.

The retailer’s new collection of engagement rings and fashion jewelry is set with natural diamonds that are traceable via blockchain.

Chief Artistic Officer Nathalie Verdeille has reimagined the iconic design in both figurative and abstract creations.

Five dollars buys one vote toward an industry professional you want to see dressed up as a hero, or a villain, this Halloween.

Recently acquired by KIL Promotions, the November edition of the public show in San Mateo, California, will be held Nov. 7-9.

The stone’s two zones, one pink and one colorless, may have formed at two different times, the lab said.

Hollywood glamour meets Milanese sophistication in the design of Pomellato’s new store in Beverly Hills, California.

The New York City store showcases a chandelier with 1,500 carats of lab-grown diamonds designed by an FIT student.

The Museum of Arts and Design's new exhibition features 75 pieces by the designer, best known for her work in the “Black Panther” films.

Making its auction debut, "The Glowing Rose" is expected to fetch $20 million at the November jewelry sale in Geneva.

They were attacked on Oct. 15, as approximately 40 miners without licenses marched on the mine’s gate.

It took the masked thieves less than 10 minutes to steal eight irreplaceable jewels from two display cases in the museum’s Apollo Gallery.

Gemologist Lauren Gayda has previously worked at The Clear Cut, Taylor & Hart, and Effy Jewelry.






















