Crime
18-Year-Old Male Fatally Shot on Dustin Court in Killeen, Suspect in Custody
KILLEEN, TX – An 18-year-old male has died following a fatal shooting that occurred Thursday evening on Dustin Court, according to the Killeen Police Department.
Officers responded to the scene and discovered the victim suffering from a gunshot wound. Immediate life-saving measures were administered by officers until paramedics arrived.
Despite their efforts, the victim was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased at 6:31 p.m.
Authorities have not yet released the victim’s identity, pending notification of his next of kin.
Police confirmed that a 20-year-old male suspect has been taken into custody in connection with the shooting.
He is currently being held at the Killeen City Jail as formal charges are being prepared.
Officials have assured the public that this appears to be an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the community.
The Killeen Police Department is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact the Killeen Police Department at (254) 501-8830 or Crime Stoppers at (254) 526-8477.
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.