Crime
13-year-old boy killed in Bessemer shooting
As of now, no arrests have been made, and the identity of the victim has not been publicly released.
A tragic shooting in Bessemer on Friday night claimed the life of a 13-year-old boy.
Detective Justin Burmeister of the Bessemer Police Department reported that officers responded to a call just before 10 p.m. regarding a shooting in the 1200 block of 13th Street North.
Upon arrival, officers discovered the young victim, who had sustained gunshot wounds.
He was transported to a nearby hospital but was later pronounced dead.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the victim was inside a residence when unknown suspect(s) fired into the home, striking him.
As of now, no arrests have been made, and the identity of the victim has not been publicly released.
The Bessemer Police Department is actively investigating the case and seeking assistance from the community. Individuals with information related to this homicide are urged to contact the Bessemer Police Department’s tip line at 205-428-3541. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers by calling 205-254-7777.
Authorities are working diligently to identify the suspect(s) and bring justice to the grieving family.
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.