Wife reflects on slain Daytona Beach jewelry store owner’s life: 'We are lost'

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Daytona Beach Police have identified Ghazi Osta, known to many as "Gus," as the man whom they say was gunned down inside Volusia Gold Diamond & Loans on Friday.

An affidavit says the shooting happened inside the store, with an 83-year-old suspect, John Craiger, accused of shooting Osta in the head as he worked behind the jewelry counter.

"We are lost. We are just so desolate and not even believing it at this point," said Osta’s wife, Leigh.

She says the pair were married nearly 40 years before he was shot and killed.

"Ghazi was a character. He was just one of a kind, very kindhearted. He always had time for people; everyone in the community knew him," she said.

The pair have four children – three daughters and a son. Osta’s son, David, is one of three people who tried to stop the shooter’s rampage, an affidavit says. He was also the one to call his mother on Friday to inform her of what happened.

"He’s crying, and he says, 'Mommy, you need to come to the store. Daddy’s been shot,'" she said.

Police report an employee pulled out his gun and exchanged fire with the suspect. That employee was Osta’s son, his mother says.

Ghazi Osta

"To me, he’s a hero because he saved himself; he neutralized the horrible person," she said.

Two other customers in the store also stepped in to help, beating the suspect with a statue and vase inside the store, police say. Despite the efforts of Osta’s son and the two valiant customers, it wasn't enough to save Osta. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

"He was killed by being kind," his wife said.

RELATED: Employee dead, suspect injured in shootings inside Daytona Beach jewelry store: Police

The shooting happened inside the jewelry store, which has now become a memorial. Police say Gus was killed when a known customer opened fire. Gus's son attempted to shoot the suspect to stop him, but it was too late, investigators say. 

Gus was pronounced dead at the hospital on Friday afternoon. He leaves behind his wife of 40 years, three daughters, and a son. His wife, holding back tears, recounted the tragic event.

The Daytona Beach Police are still investigating the deadly shooting. Murder suspect John Craiger is currently being held in Volusia County Jail without bond.

The family has set up a GoFundMe for funeral costs.