Crime
18-year-old Javen Turner killed in Sparta shooting, 5 charged with murder
Authorities have charged four adults and a juvenile in connection with the fatal shooting of an 18-year-old man in Sparta, Georgia, on Friday afternoon.
The victim, identified as Javen Lamont Turner of Sparta, was critically injured in the shooting at the intersection of Broad Street and Miles Street. Turner succumbed to his injuries on Saturday.
According to a police news release, the following individuals have been charged with felony murder:
- Nehemiah Henderson, 22, of Sparta
- Armarion Hunt, 20, of Sparta (still at large)
- Darrion Deandre Green, 18, of Thompson
- Mikez Yaraus Edwards, 18, of Sparta
Additionally, a juvenile suspect is being held at the Regional Youth Detention Center.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) revealed that around 3 p.m. on Friday, the Hancock County 911 center received reports of a shooting involving two vehicles. Witnesses stated that individuals in one car opened fire on another vehicle. Turner, a passenger, was struck multiple times. He was rushed to the hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
The GBI has also reported another person injured in the incident, although their condition remains undisclosed.
The Sparta Police Department requested assistance from the GBI to investigate the case further. As of now, Hunt remains at large, and law enforcement continues to search for him.
The GBI urges anyone with information about this case to come forward. Tips can be submitted via:
- Phone: GBI Regional Investigative Office in Milledgeville at (478) 445-4173 or the anonymous tip line at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477)
- Online: GBI Tip Submission Portal
- Mobile App: See Something, Send Something
This remains an active investigation, and additional updates will be provided as more information becomes 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.