Crime
Suspect fatally shot by Wichita police after pursuit and armed standoff outside Spirit AeroSystems
During the livestream, he mentioned Spirit AeroSystems as a potential location.
WICHITA, KS – A man identified as Devario Edwards was fatally shot late Wednesday night following an officer-involved shooting in the 3900 block of South Oliver Street, outside the Spirit AeroSystems facility.
The incident involved multiple law enforcement officers from the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office and the Wichita Police Department.
According to authorities, the events began around 9 p.m. when Edwards allegedly arrived at a residence and attempted to shoot an acquaintance.
However, the firearm malfunctioned, and no shots were fired. Edwards then fled the scene in his vehicle, prompting law enforcement to initiate efforts to locate him based on information provided by the intended victim.
Investigators determined that Edwards had gone live on Facebook, making alarming statements, including threats that he intended to provoke a deadly confrontation with police.
During the livestream, he mentioned Spirit AeroSystems as a potential location.
Utilizing advanced technology, a license plate reader detected Edwards’ vehicle as it approached the Spirit AeroSystems facility. Deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop, leading to a high-speed pursuit.
Edwards eventually stopped in the parking lot of the facility, where he exited his vehicle and fired approximately 20 rounds from a rifle, striking two sheriff’s deputy vehicles.
In response, law enforcement officers from both the Wichita Police Department and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office returned fire, striking Edwards multiple times. He was pronounced dead at approximately 1 a.m.
Wichita Police Department spokesperson Andrew Ford emphasized the critical role of social media monitoring in law enforcement operations.
“It was crucial that officers were able to obtain real-time intelligence from the suspect’s social media activity. His Facebook Live provided vital information, allowing responding officers to understand the threat level and prepare accordingly,” Ford said.
A total of eight law enforcement officers—five from the Wichita Police Department and three from the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office—discharged their firearms during the encounter. No officers were injured in the exchange of gunfire.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has taken over the investigation, as is standard protocol for officer-involved shootings involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
Authorities have not disclosed additional details regarding Edwards’ motivations or further background information at this time.
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the Kansas Bureau of Investigation or Crime Stoppers at (316) 267-2111.
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.