Crime
Police Respond to Fatal Shooting at North Hills in Raleigh
Raleigh police are investigating a fatal shooting at North Hills Shopping Center on Friday afternoon that resulted in the death of at least one person.
The incident occurred near the 4300 block of The Circle at North Hills Street, prompting a large law enforcement response and significant disruption in the area.
Emergency services were dispatched after reports of gunfire in the bustling shopping area off Six Forks Road.
Upon arrival, officers found one person deceased, with a white sheet covering the body. Initial video footage from the scene revealed a substantial police presence, with officers seen holding firearms as they assessed the situation.
Law enforcement has confirmed that this is not an active shooter situation but has urged the public to avoid the area.
Over 20 police vehicles were reported at the scene, along with officers stationed at multiple key locations, including the Exxon gas station at 4359 Six Forks Road.
Several roads surrounding North Hills have been closed as police continue their investigation.
Surveillance cameras in the area captured images of officers securing the perimeter and responding to the incident.
Witnesses reported seeing at least one injured individual, though details on the number of victims and the extent of their injuries remain unclear.
The incident prompted immediate safety measures in nearby locations:
- Carroll Middle School: The school was placed on a Code Red lockdown to ensure the safety of students and staff.
- Nearby Offices: Employees in nearby office buildings were instructed to shelter in place as a precaution.
Authorities are working to determine the exact circumstances of the shooting, including how many individuals were involved, whether others were injured, and if a suspect is in custody.
This developing story is under active investigation, and additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Raleigh Police Department.
Residents and visitors are advised to avoid the North Hills area until further notice to allow law enforcement to conduct their investigation safely and efficiently.
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.