Crime
1 killed in shooting outside Amazon fulfillment center in Pooler
A white Nissan vehicle was towed from the area as part of the evidence collection.
The Pooler Police Department is conducting an active investigation into a deadly shooting that occurred Monday morning outside the Amazon fulfillment center on Triple B Trail.
According to authorities, the incident took place in the facility’s parking lot, where a victim was shot. Emergency medical services transported the individual to a Savannah hospital, where they were later pronounced deceased.
The Chatham County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as 21-year-old Keontae Grinder, a resident of Liberty County.
Officials confirmed that Grinder sustained at least one gunshot wound. An autopsy has been scheduled as part of the ongoing investigation.
Investigators processed a significant crime scene, with at least 14 evidence markers visible within the cordoned-off parking lot.
A white Nissan vehicle was towed from the area as part of the evidence collection.
The incident prompted a lockdown at the Amazon facility, and employees who arrived for their shifts were informed of the closure.
Staff members were sent home for the day, with onsite counseling resources promised upon their return to work.
Amazon released a statement expressing their condolences:
“We’re saddened by this senseless act of violence and are focused on supporting our employees during this time.”
As of Monday evening, the Pooler Police Department has not provided updates regarding a suspect or arrest in connection with the shooting.
Authorities remain in the early stages of the investigation and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Updates will be shared as new details emerge.
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.