Crime
Two People Killed in Shooting at Foothills Mall in Fort Collins
Police do not have any suspects in custody
FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Two individuals are dead and a juvenile suspect is in custody following a fatal shooting at Foothills Mall on Saturday evening, according to a Sunday morning press release from Fort Collins Police Services.
The incident occurred around 5:00 p.m. on April 5, 2025, at Foothills Mall located at 215 E. Foothills Parkway.
Officers responded to reports of gunfire and quickly arrived on scene, locating two victims on a sidewalk situated between the mall building and a nearby parking area.
Both victims sustained critical injuries and were transported to a local hospital by emergency medical services.
Despite lifesaving efforts, both victims succumbed to their injuries.
Their identities have not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin by the Larimer County Coroner’s Office.
Following an intensive investigation, police identified and apprehended a juvenile male suspect in connection with the shooting.
Due to the suspect’s age, authorities are withholding his identity at this time.
Police indicated that additional charges are expected as the investigation progresses.
As with all criminal cases, charges are considered allegations and the suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Authorities stated that there is no indication of additional victims and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The shooting is being investigated as a possible gang-related incident.
However, police have chosen not to name specific gang affiliations in an effort to avoid granting notoriety.
Fort Collins Police are urging anyone with information who has not yet spoken with investigators to contact Detective Matt Dean at 970-221-6580. Those who wish to remain anonymous may submit tips through Larimer County Crime Stoppers at 970-221-6868.
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.