FL Shooting Spree Blamed On Solar Eclipse, God: Troopers

HOLMES COUNTY, FL — A shooting suspect in the Florida Panhandle said she shot two cars and injured two people because of the solar eclipse, authorities said.

When a Georgia woman, Taylon Nichelle Celestine, 22, checked out of a Holmes County hotel Monday, she told staff she was directed by God to go on a shooting spree in connection with the solar eclipse, according to a Florida Highway Patrol news release.

While driving a car with Georgia license plates, she entered Interstate 10 at the 112 milemarker and drove west. About five miles later, she fired multiple shots into another car on I-10, hitting the passing car multiple times.

The driver was hit by glass fragments from the window and a bullet grazed his arm, FHP said. Despite this, he was able to steer his vehicle onto the shoulder, away from the Celestine.

As she continued driving west, she shot another vehicle near the 107 milemarker, hitting the driver in the neck, troopers said. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital, where they are recovering.

Troopers found Celestine near the 96 milemarker and conducted a felony traffic stop. After she was taken into custody, they found an AR-15 and a 9mm handgun in her car, state police said.

Celestine was booked into Holmes County Jail and charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and improper discharge of a firearm.