Crime
Tiffany Bonner Identified as Victim Found in Burning Vehicle in Munford
MUNFORD, AL – The Talladega County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a body was discovered inside a burning vehicle behind a home on Jenifer Road in Munford on Sunday evening.
Deputies responded to a report of a car fire at approximately 5:30 p.m. Upon arrival, they found a deceased individual inside the vehicle.
Investigators are working to determine if foul play was involved, though the identity of the victim has not yet been officially confirmed.
Family members of Tiffany Bonner, a local Munford resident, believe she may be the individual found in the vehicle.
Kerri Dennis, a lifelong friend of Bonner, recalled the moment she was informed of her friend’s possible death.
“Her oldest daughter and grandmother called me around 10 o’clock,” Dennis said. “They don’t normally call me, so I knew something was wrong. I asked, ‘He killed her, didn’t he?’ and they said, ‘Yeah, I’m so sorry. She’s gone.’”
Following the discovery of the burning vehicle, deputies began searching for a person of interest reportedly seen walking along Quail Run Road with a firearm.
When deputies attempted to approach the individual, the suspect brandished a weapon, prompting law enforcement to open fire.
The person of interest was transported to a hospital and remains in stable condition. Authorities have not yet released their identity.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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.