Crime
1 Killed After Shooting at Shaker Heights Public Library, Suspect in Custody
Authorities are conducting an investigation following a shooting at the Shaker Heights Public Library that left one person hospitalized on Tuesday afternoon.
The incident occurred at approximately 4:42 p.m. inside the library’s main branch on Van Aken Boulevard.
According to Shaker Heights Police Chief Wayne Hudson, officers responded within seconds and were met with a large crowd attempting to exit the building.
Upon arrival, officers administered CPR to a male victim suffering from gunshot wounds.
He was transported by ambulance to the hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
With assistance from other law enforcement agencies, Shaker Heights police established a perimeter around the area, leading to the detainment of a person of interest.
As of now, no charges have been filed, and officials have confirmed that there are no additional suspects.
Chief Hudson noted that numerous individuals, including high school students, were inside the library when the shooting took place.
Parents were directed to the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Building at 3450 Lee Road for reunification with their children.
“When you look at violence occurring in a library—a place where individuals come to rest, read, review, and learn—it’s quite disturbing,” Hudson stated.
Authorities have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the city of Shaker Heights.
In response to the incident, the City of Shaker Heights Government announced via Facebook that the library will remain closed until further notice.
Additionally, the Shaker Heights City School District has confirmed that Shaker Heights High School and the Innovative Center for Personalized Learning will be closed on Wednesday, April 2, while all other district buildings will remain open.
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.