Crime
Son-in-Law Charged with Capital Murder in Fatal Shooting of Georgia Couple in East Alabama
Johnson is currently being held without bond at the Etowah County Jail.
ETOWAH COUNTY, AL – A Georgia couple was fatally shot in rural east Alabama on Tuesday, and their son-in-law has been charged with capital murder in connection with their deaths, authorities confirmed.
Christopher Scott Johnson, 38, is accused of killing 68-year-old Darla McKenzie and 72-year-old Michael McKenzie.
The couple, who lived in Roswell, Georgia, were visiting a residence on Coats Bend Circle in Etowah County when the shooting occurred.
Johnson is currently being held without bond at the Etowah County Jail.
Etowah County Sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Upon arrival, they discovered both victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures at the scene. Michael McKenzie was pronounced dead at the residence, while Darla McKenzie was airlifted to UAB Hospital in Birmingham, where she succumbed to her injuries a short time later.
Based on information from 911 calls and evidence gathered at the scene, investigators quickly identified Johnson as the primary suspect.
He was taken into custody with assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Ashville, Steele, Glencoe, and Rainbow City police departments.
Authorities confirmed that Johnson was married to the McKenzies’ daughter, who was present at the home at the time of the shooting and made the 911 call.
“This is an incredibly difficult time for the McKenzie family, and our hearts go out to them,” said Etowah County Sheriff Jonathon Horton. “The loss of loved ones in such a tragic manner is devastating, and we extend our deepest sympathy to their family and friends.”
Sheriff Horton also assured the community that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
“We are committed to ensuring justice is served,” he stated.
The investigation remains active, with multiple agencies assisting in the ongoing case.
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.