Crime
17-year-old Takoda Gallegos killed in Mishawaka shooting, juvenile suspect in custody
MISHAWAKA, IN – Authorities have identified the victim of a fatal shooting that occurred Wednesday night as 17-year-old Takoda Gallegos of Vandalia, Michigan.
Police were dispatched to the 200 block of North Indiana Avenue at approximately 8:45 p.m. following reports of a baby being shot.
However, upon arrival, officers determined that the initial report was inaccurate.
Inside the home, officers discovered Gallegos suffering from life-threatening gunshot injuries.
Despite efforts to provide assistance, Gallegos was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Following the incident, a juvenile suspect was identified and apprehended with the assistance of the St. Joseph County Metro SWAT team.
The suspect, whose identity has not been released due to their age, is currently being detained at the St. Joseph County Juvenile Justice Center.
The Mishawaka Police Department is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities have emphasized that there is no ongoing danger to the community.
Police are urging anyone with information related to the case to contact the Mishawaka Police Department Detective Bureau at 574-258-1684. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Michiana Crime Stoppers by calling 574-288-STOP (7867) or 1-800-342-STOP (7867).
The tragic death of Takoda Gallegos has sent shockwaves through both the Mishawaka and Vandalia communities. Law enforcement continues to work diligently to uncover the facts of this case and bring justice for the young victim.
This is an ongoing investigation, and updates will be provided as new 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.