Crime
2 Suspects Arrested in Connection to Fatal Americus Shooting That Killed 5-Year-Old Girl
Americus, GA – The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has arrested a second suspect in connection with the February 8 shooting at Eastview Apartments, which resulted in the death of 5-year-old Peyton Roberts and left two others injured.
On Thursday afternoon, GBI agents arrested 20-year-old Ny’Tavion Smith on charges of felony murder, aggravated assault, and aggravated battery.
Smith was taken into custody during the execution of a search warrant conducted by the GBI Special Operations Unit, the GBI regional investigative office in Americus, and the Americus Police Department.
Earlier in the week, on Monday, GBI officials announced the arrest of 19-year-old Ricky Martin, who is also facing charges of felony murder and aggravated assault in connection with the same incident.
The shooting occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, when Americus Police responded to a shots fired call at an apartment complex located in the 600 block of Eastview Circle.
Upon arrival, officers discovered multiple gunshot victims. Peyton Brielle Roberts, 5, was critically wounded and later succumbed to her injuries at Phoebe Sumter Hospital.
A 19-year-old male victim was also transported to Phoebe Sumter before being airlifted to another medical facility, where he remains in critical condition.
A third victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Both Smith and Martin are currently being held at the Sumter County Jail as the investigation continues.
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.