Crime
14-year-old Bryant Triplett killed after shooting near 21st and Concordia in Milwaukee
Police have arrested an 18-year-old man believed to be responsible for the shooting.
Milwaukee police are investigating the tragic death of 14-year-old Bryant Triplett, who was fatally shot Saturday night, December 28, near the intersection of 21st Street and Concordia Avenue.
Authorities have released limited details about the circumstances leading up to the shooting, stating that the incident remains under active investigation.
Officers were seen back in the neighborhood on Sunday morning, working to piece together evidence and gather more information.
Police have arrested an 18-year-old man believed to be responsible for the shooting.
However, the suspect’s identity has not been disclosed, and no motive has been shared at this time.
Bryant’s death marks yet another heartbreaking incident in what has been a violent end to the year for Milwaukee’s young residents.
On Christmas Day, two teenagers were killed in a separate shooting at 37th Street and Scott Street, while a six-year-old child was injured by gunfire the same day.
Milwaukee police are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. Tipsters can contact the department directly at (414) 935-7360. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-TIPS or use the P3 Tips app to submit information.
This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for community cooperation in addressing gun violence. Law enforcement and city officials are appealing to residents to help bring those responsible to justice and to work together to prevent further tragedies.
Further updates on the investigation will be provided as they become available.
Crime
Former Texas Worship Minister and Christian Musician Jon Sheptock Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A married Christian musician and former worship minister who once performed at a rally for former President Donald Trump has been arrested on multiple child sexual abuse material (CSAM) charges, authorities confirmed.
According to officials, Jon Sheptock, a former minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church, was taken into custody on September 26 by detectives from the Montgomery County Constable’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit.
He faces charges of possession and production of child pornography following a detailed investigation into allegations of long-term misconduct.
The arrest was based on testimony from a woman who alleged that Sheptock stole a photograph of her approximately nine years ago, when she was 17 years old.
The victim told investigators that after sending her the image, Sheptock demanded explicit photographs and later sent her a video depicting a violent assault, warning that he “did not want that to happen to her.”
Court records further indicate that Sheptock showed the victim nude images of both adults and minors on his computer.
Investigators allege that the misconduct continued as recently as October 2023, when Sheptock reportedly sent a text message to the victim containing a nude image of young girls.
Before his arrest, Sheptock was widely known as a Christian recording artist and motivational speaker.
His now-deleted website biography stated that he was born without arms and with one leg shorter than the other, yet went on to describe himself as a “thriving Christian recording artist and speaker.” He has been married for 26 years and is the father of three daughters.
In a public statement, First Montgomery Baptist Church confirmed that Sheptock was immediately removed from all ministry responsibilities following his arrest.
The church emphasized that Sheptock did not hold any position involving direct contact with children, and there is no indication that minors associated with the church were involved or affected.
Sheptock gained wider public attention in January 2022, when he performed the national anthem at a rally for then-President Donald Trump, according to The Independent.
If convicted, Sheptock faces a potential prison sentence ranging from two to twenty years.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Montgomery County Constable’s Office Human Traffic.