Crime
Workplace Dispute at Republic Services Escalates to Shooting, Leaving One Critically Injured
A workplace altercation at Republic Services took a violent turn Monday morning when an employee opened fire, critically injuring a coworker, according to police reports.
At approximately 6:10 a.m., officers responded to reports of a shooting at the Republic Services recycling center.
Upon arrival, they discovered that a verbal dispute between two employees had escalated into physical violence.
According to police, 52-year-old Shannon Lynn Bicking was physically assaulted by a coworker.
Her husband, 53-year-old Ethan Temple Bicking, intervened in an attempt to protect her.
However, the suspect produced a firearm and shot Mr. Bicking before fleeing the scene.
Emergency responders transported both victims to the hospital. Ms. Bicking sustained injuries from the assault and is currently in stable condition, while Mr. Bicking remains in critical but stable condition as a result of the gunshot wound.
Authorities quickly identified and apprehended the suspect, though their identity has not yet been publicly released due to the ongoing investigation.
The Winston-Salem Police Department’s Violent Firearms Investigation Team (VFIT) has taken the lead in the case.
Officials urge anyone with additional information to contact the Winston-Salem Police Department 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.