Crime
Montgomery Police Identify Teen Killed in Weekend Double Shooting
MONTGOMERY, AL — Authorities have identified the teenager who was fatally shot during a double shooting over the weekend as 17-year-old Jekobi Douglas of Montgomery.
Officers with the Montgomery Police Department (MPD) and emergency medical personnel responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 8:25 p.m. on Saturday, February 3, in the 1200 block of Eastern Boulevard, near Interstate 85 and Carmichael Road.
Upon arrival, first responders located two male victims. Jekobi Douglas was pronounced dead at the scene due to gunshot wounds.
A second victim, an adult male whose identity has not yet been released, was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.
No updates on his condition have been provided as of Monday.
Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
At this time, no suspects are in custody, and no motive has been established.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to this case to contact the following:
- Montgomery Police Department: (334) 625-2831
- CrimeStoppers: (334) 215-STOP (7867)
- Secret Witness: (334) 625-4000
Anonymous tips are welcomed and could aid in solving this case. Additional details will 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.