Crime
16-Year-Old Killed, Five Others Injured in Shooting at Woodland Hills House Party
Woodland Hills, CA – A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot, and five other men were injured when gunfire erupted at a house party in Woodland Hills early Sunday morning, February 9, 2025.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) responded to reports of a shooting at a large upscale residence in the 5900 block of Winnetka Avenue at approximately 1:30 a.m.
According to investigators, the suspect was inside the home’s basement when an altercation occurred. A bouncer or security guard attempted to escort the suspect out of the home, but as they reached the first floor, the suspect opened fire on the dance floor, striking multiple people.
The shooter fled the scene on foot and remains at large.
A 16-year-old male victim, whose identity has not yet been released, died at the scene.
Five other male victims, ranging in age from 18 to 36, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
No other injuries were reported.
LAPD detectives are actively investigating the incident and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Those with details regarding the suspect or the events leading up to the shooting are encouraged to contact LAPD’s Major Crimes Division. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers by calling (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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.