Crime
Man Fatally Shot by St. Louis County Police Identified as 37-Year-Old Durrell Dorn
Authorities have identified the man fatally shot by St. Louis County police as 37-year-old Durrell Dorn. According to law enforcement, Dorn was reportedly firing shots into the air and at passing vehicles along West Florissant Avenue in Country Club Hills before the encounter.
Dorn’s family has since revealed that he suffered from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, raising concerns about whether this situation could have been managed differently.
In the aftermath of the incident, Dorn’s family and members of the community are emphasizing the urgent need for greater awareness and support for mental health, particularly within the Black community.
“This tragedy highlights the ongoing challenges faced by individuals living with mental illness,” a family spokesperson said. “Too often, Black men experiencing mental health crises are perceived as threats rather than people in need of help. We must prioritize understanding, proper care, and support.”
Community advocates are calling for a stronger focus on mental health resources, urging individuals to seek therapy, ensure proper medication management, and engage in supportive outlets.
“We need to break the stigma surrounding mental health in our community,” said a representative. “While prayer is a powerful tool, it is not always sufficient on its own. Comprehensive care, including therapy and medication, is crucial to helping individuals navigate mental health challenges effectively.”
Dorn’s death has sparked renewed conversations about how law enforcement and communities respond to mental health crises. Advocates are urging policymakers, healthcare providers, and community leaders to collaborate on creating programs that ensure those in crisis receive appropriate intervention rather than punitive action.
We extended its condolences to Dorn’s family and all those affected by this tragedy. “We are keeping Dorn’s loved ones in our prayers as they grieve this loss,” the outlet shared. “This incident underscores the importance of addressing mental health with care, compassion, and understanding.”
As the investigation continues, the community is urging a commitment to both justice and mental health reform, calling for changes that could prevent similar incidents in the future.
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.