Crime
1 killed in shooting at Los Arcos Mexican Restaurant in Gastonia
Gastonia, NC – The Gastonia Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred outside Los Arcos Mexican Restaurant on North Chester Street Sunday evening.
According to an official police report, officers responded to the scene at approximately 5:45 p.m. following reports of gunfire.
Upon arrival, authorities discovered a male victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds while walking along Highway 321.
The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the suspect, described as a white male, fled the scene in a Tesla. Witnesses reported that the suspect discharged an entire magazine, striking the victim nine times.
One bystander, who was at a nearby Exxon station during the incident, stated, “I was told by police that it wasn’t a female involved, but rather a white male in a Tesla who emptied his clip.”
Law enforcement officials are currently interviewing witnesses, although they have noted that some accounts may not be entirely reliable.
The investigation remains active, and authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the Gastonia Police Department at (704) 866-6702 or submit an anonymous tip via Gaston County Crime Stoppers at (704) 861-8000.
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.