Crime
Ferndale Police Investigate Fatal Shooting Near 8 Mile and Woodward
Ferndale, Mich. – The Ferndale Police Department is actively investigating a fatal shooting that occurred during the early morning hours of March 9, 2025.
At approximately 1:45 a.m., Ferndale Police dispatch received a report of gunfire near the intersection of 8 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue.
Just three minutes later, at 1:48 a.m., a second caller reported seeing an individual lying outside a Ford Escape in the roadway on the southbound Woodward Avenue bridge over 8 Mile.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a 27-year-old male victim from Detroit who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel transported the victim to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the victim was driving southbound on Woodward Avenue when an unidentified suspect fired multiple shots into his vehicle, striking him.
The victim’s vehicle was found stopped on the roadway, with the victim lying outside upon officers’ arrival.
“This is a tragic and senseless act of violence, and our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones during this difficult time,” said Ferndale Police Chief Dennis Emmi. “Our department is fully committed to identifying and apprehending those responsible. We urge anyone with information to come forward to assist in bringing justice to the victim and his family.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details will be released as they become available.
Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to contact the Ferndale Police Department’s Detective Bureau at 248-541-3650, extension 5.
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.