Crime
Woman killed after family violence shooting in Beaumont
Beaumont, Texas — Authorities in Beaumont are investigating a tragic incident of family violence that resulted in the death of a woman on Sunday evening. The case is now being treated as a family violence homicide.
At approximately 7 p.m. on Sunday, Beaumont police officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 4300 block of Fonville Avenue.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a woman suffering from critical injuries.
Emergency medical personnel transported the victim to a local hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
As of now, law enforcement has not released further details regarding the circumstances of the shooting or any potential suspects involved.
The investigation remains active, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
If you have information related to this incident, you are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Southeast Texas. Tips can be submitted anonymously, and individuals providing information that leads to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.
To submit a tip, call (409) 833-TIPS (8477) or visit the Crime Stoppers website.
This tragic event highlights the serious and often devastating consequences of family violence. Beaumont police are committed to ensuring justice for the victim and providing support to the community as they work to bring closure to this case. Further updates will be shared 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.