Crime
Pastor Ricky Floyd killed in shooting outside Momma’s Bar in Memphis, suspect Samantha Marion in custody
MEMPHIS, TN – A Memphis pastor was fatally shot early Wednesday morning outside Momma’s Bar, located at 855 Kentucky Street, according to authorities.
The shooting occurred shortly after 1:20 a.m., with police responding to reports of gunfire outside the establishment.
Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim, who was later identified as Pastor Ricky Floyd, deceased at the scene.
Floyd was the Senior Lead Pastor at Pursuit of God Transformation Center and the founder of Salvation Revelation Ministries, a nonprofit organization dedicated to community and spiritual development.
Authorities took 42-year-old Samantha Marion into custody at the scene. She has since been charged with voluntary manslaughter.
According to police, witnesses observed an argument between Floyd and Marion inside the bar, which escalated and continued outside.
Surveillance footage reportedly shows Floyd throwing Marion’s phone to the ground and tossing a beer can during the dispute.
As Floyd attempted to leave, he stopped his vehicle, exited, and began walking back toward Marion.
At that moment, Marion allegedly pulled out a firearm and shot Floyd, resulting in his death.
Memphis police continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses as the investigation progresses. Further details regarding the nature of the argument and the relationship between Floyd and Marion remain under review.
Authorities urge anyone with additional information to contact Memphis Police or Crime Stoppers.
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.