Crime
Katherine Williams Killed in Sabattus Shooting, Remembered as Beloved RSU 4 School District Employee
The Maine State Police (MSP) is conducting an investigation into a fatal shooting spree that occurred on the afternoon of Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in the town of Sabattus.
The incident began at approximately 4:14 p.m. in the 800 block of Middle Road (Route 9) and resulted in four people shot, three of whom were killed, including the suspect.
According to investigators, 29-year-old James Davis III, a resident of Sabattus, was a passenger in a vehicle driven by his mother, 47-year-old Christine Smith, also of Sabattus.
While traveling on King Road, approaching the intersection with Middle Road (Route 9), Davis shot his mother inside the moving vehicle.
Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. Following the initial shooting, the vehicle crossed Middle Road and came to a stop.
Davis then exited the car and began firing at passing vehicles.
One of the victims, 53-year-old Katherine Williams of Sabattus, was driving on Middle Road when she was struck by gunfire.
She was transported to Central Maine Medical Center, where she was later pronounced deceased.
Two additional drivers, identified as 19-year-old Tyson Turner of Jay and 35-year-old David Wilson of Hartford, were each traveling in separate vehicles and were struck by gunfire.
Both men were transported to Central Maine Medical Center and are expected to survive their injuries.
Following the shootings, Davis turned the weapon on himself and died by suicide at the scene.
All three deceased individuals—Christine Smith, Katherine Williams, and James Davis III—were transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta, where autopsies will be conducted to confirm the causes of death.
Detectives and Evidence Response Technicians from the Major Crimes Unit – South remained at the scene throughout the night, collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses.
The Lisbon Police Department, Sabattus Police Department, and the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office provided assistance on scene.
The incident remains under active investigation, and additional details will be released as they become available.
Authorities have not yet determined a motive for the shootings.
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.