Suspects of two shootings on I-10 claimed God directed her to go on shooting spree due to the solar eclipse
FHP photo showing bullet damage to one victim's vehicle.
~ Two vehicles were hit - two injured - one shot in the neck and the other grazed by a bullet ~
Bonifay, Florida - On Monday, April 8, 2024, Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) troopers responded to a report of an active shooter in Holmes County. The suspect was reportedly a woman who had recently checked out of a local hotel, telling hotel staff members that she was going on a shooting spree, directed by “God” in relation to the solar eclipse.
The suspect - identified as 22 year-old Taylon Nichelle Celestine, of Georgia - was driving a purple Dodge Challenge sedan with Georgia license plates. She entered Interstate 10 (I-10) at the 112-mile marker to travel west.
Within five miles west of where she entered the interstate, Celestine allegedly fired multiple shots into another vehicle traveling along the interstate, striking the passing car multiple times. The male driver was struck by glass fragments from the window, and grazed on an arm by a bullet. He was able to steer his vehicle onto the shoulder of the roadway and away away from the suspect who continued west on I-10.
Near the 107-mile marker, Celestine allegedly shot at a second vehicle, hitting the driver in the neck. The second victim was taken to a nearby hospital in unstated condition to receive treatment.
Responding FHP troopers located the suspect's vehicle near the 96-mile marker and conducted a felony traffic stop. After suspect Celestine was taken into custody, troopers recovered an AR-15 rifle and a 9mm handgun within the purple Challenger sedan.
Celestine was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Holmes County Jail in Bonifay, where she was booked on the following charges: attempted murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and improper discharge of a firearm
The Florida Highway Patrol Bureau of Investigations and Intelligence (BCII) is conducting an ongoing investigation into the incidents. Further details will be released when available.