Crime
Deltona Woman Fatally Shot by Ex-Husband, Suspect Dies After Fleeing and Crashing in Flagler County
DELTONA, FL – A domestic violence incident turned deadly early Monday when a Deltona woman was fatally shot by her ex-husband, who later took his own life after a high-speed pursuit ended in a crash in Flagler County.
The victim, identified as 38-year-old Ashley Vaia, was found deceased inside her home at approximately 2:22 a.m. by her child.
Authorities quickly identified the suspect as her ex-husband, 33-year-old Samuel Vaia, who fled the scene in a white SUV.
Using vehicle detection technology, law enforcement tracked Vaia’s SUV traveling northbound on I-95 at speeds exceeding 100 mph as he attempted to evade capture.
Multiple law enforcement agencies responded, successfully deploying stop sticks to disable the vehicle.
Vaia ultimately lost control and crashed near Palm Harbor Parkway and Hammock Dunes Parkway in Palm Coast at approximately 3:21 a.m.
Given that Vaia was considered armed and dangerous, and was reportedly wearing body armor, Volusia County Sheriff’s Office (VSO) deputies utilized drone surveillance while Flagler County SWAT officers cautiously approached the wrecked vehicle.
At approximately 5:15 a.m., SWAT extricated the suspect, who had sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
Vaia was transported to AdventHealth Palm Coast Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Just one week before the fatal shooting, Samuel Vaia had been arrested on domestic violence battery charges involving the same victim.
According to deputies, on Sunday, March 23, at approximately 1:48 a.m., Ashley Vaia reported that her ex-husband entered her bedroom, took her phone, and accused her of infidelity.
The couple had been attempting to reconcile, and Vaia still had a key to her home due to a time-sharing arrangement involving their child.
During the altercation, Ashley stated that Vaia forcefully pushed her into a bathroom, covered her mouth, and prevented her from calling 911.
She was only able to break free when she called for her daughter, at which point Vaia fled.
Vaia was arrested and booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail on a battery (domestic violence) charge. He was released on a $2,000 bond the following evening.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood expressed condolences to the victim’s family and commended the coordinated response from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Daytona Beach Police Department, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and Florida Highway Patrol.
“Our hearts go out to Ashley’s children, and all her family and friends who have to deal with losing her to such a senseless act of violence,” said Sheriff Chitwood. “Time and time again, we see that domestic violence situations can escalate quickly and dangerously, with tragic consequences.”
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly echoed the sentiments, stating, “I am thankful for the swift actions of our deputies in helping to prevent any further loss of life. This is a deeply tragic incident for all involved, and we send our condolences to the victim’s family during this extremely difficult time.”
For individuals experiencing domestic violence in Volusia County, free and confidential services are available through the Domestic Abuse Council of Volusia County at 386-257-2297 or www.dacvolusia.com.
Additionally, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 800-799-SAFE (7233), via text by sending START to 88788, or through live chat at www.thehotline.org.
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.