Crime
Authorities Investigate Reported Shooting at Schnucks Cross Keys Plaza in Florissant
FLORISSANT, MO – Law enforcement officials are currently investigating reports of a shooting incident that allegedly occurred inside the Schnucks grocery store located at 13987 New Halls Ferry Road, within the Cross Keys Plaza shopping center.
The incident was reported to authorities late Monday evening, prompting a swift response from the Florissant Police Department, which arrived at the scene to secure the area and gather information.
Preliminary reports suggest that at least one individual may have been struck during the shooting, though officials have yet to confirm the exact number of victims or the severity of their injuries.
Shoppers and employees inside the store were reportedly startled by the sudden commotion, with some seeking shelter within the aisles and others evacuating the premises.
At this time, police have not released information regarding a possible suspect or motive behind the incident. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from inside the store and surrounding areas to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the reported shooting.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward. Witnesses or individuals with relevant details are encouraged to contact the Florissant Police Department at (314) 831-7000 or submit anonymous tips through the CrimeStoppers hotline at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477).
More details are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
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.