Crime
Shalamar Davis Jr Killed, 20-Year-Old Injured in North Omaha Shooting
A 15-year-old boy was killed, and a 20-year-old man was injured following a shooting in north Omaha on Tuesday morning, March 26, 2024.
According to the Omaha Police Department (OPD), officers responded to reports of a shooting near 51st and Emmet Streets at approximately 10:28 a.m.
Upon arrival, officers located Shalamar Davis Jr., 15, and an unidentified 20-year-old man suffering from gunshot wounds near 52nd and Pinkney Streets.
Emergency medical personnel transported Davis to a local hospital in extremely critical condition, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The 20-year-old victim was also transported to the hospital and remains in serious condition.
Officials from Omaha Public Schools (OPS) confirmed that Shalamar Davis Jr. was a sophomore at Burke High School.
In a letter to families, Burke High School Principal Darren Rasmussen expressed condolences, stating:
“We are saddened to share that one of our Burke High students, Shalamar Davis, a 10th grader, has died. We have been in contact with his family to share our heartfelt sympathy.”
At this time, police have not identified any suspects or released details regarding a possible motive.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Omaha Police Homicide Unit.
This remains a developing story, and updates will be provided as more details emerge.
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.