Crime
Suspect who shot and killed Roswell police officer identified as 23-year-old Edward Espinoza
A Roswell police officer was shot and killed Friday night while responding to a call about a suspicious person, authorities confirmed.
The incident occurred at approximately 7 p.m. at a shopping center located at 1425 Market Blvd.
Officers from the Roswell Police Department arrived at the scene in response to the report and encountered the suspect, identified by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) as 23-year-old Edward Espinoza, in the parking lot near the ACE Pickleball Club.
According to police, Espinoza opened fire on the officer, striking him multiple times.
The wounded officer was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Espinoza was taken into custody at the scene and is now facing murder charges.
As of Saturday morning, authorities have not yet released the name of the fallen officer.
In tribute to his service and sacrifice, the Roswell Police Department has lowered flags to half-staff at its law enforcement center.
The officer’s death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from officials and fellow law enforcement agencies.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp issued a statement expressing his grief and support:
“Tonight, Marty, the girls, and I are praying for the loved ones of a Roswell Police Officer who was shot and killed in the line of duty. We join them, his fellow Roswell PD, and all law enforcement in mourning this sudden and heartbreaking loss, and we ask all Georgians to join us in keeping them in your thoughts and prayers. We also ask that we remain mindful of the heavy sacrifices law enforcement and their families make to keep all of us safe each and every day. May this courageous man’s memory inspire all of us in the days, weeks, and years ahead.”
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has launched a full investigation into the shooting. Authorities are expected to release further details 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.