Crime
Victim killed in Ruston shooting identified as 30-year-old Deontrell Hunter
Authorities in Ruston are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Easter Sunday in the parking lot of Y2 Kuts Barbershop, resulting in the death of one man and injuries to five others.
According to the Ruston Police Department (RPD), officers were already in the vicinity responding to reports of a large crowd gathered near the barbershop, located at 302 South Farmerville Street, when gunfire erupted around 10:00 p.m.
Officers rushed to the scene and immediately began rendering first aid to the victims.
Deontrell Marquis Hunter, 30, of Ruston, was identified as the deceased victim.
Five additional individuals sustained non-life-threatening injuries, described by authorities as superficial wounds, and were transported to Northern Louisiana Medical Center, some by private vehicles.
Initial witness accounts indicate the shooting stemmed from an ongoing dispute among extended family members, which reportedly began earlier in the day during a gathering at Mayfield Park.
Police believe the argument escalated throughout the day, ultimately culminating in gunfire later that evening.
Chief Eric Watson of the Ruston Police Department stated that the preliminary investigation suggests multiple individuals were armed with handguns, and that the situation may have involved an exchange of gunfire among several parties.
“This is an active and ongoing investigation,” Chief Watson said Monday. “We are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant information to come forward. No detail is too small.”
Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Ruston Police Department at (318) 255-4141.
Hunter, the man fatally shot, had a criminal history with arrests dating back to 2011, including a 2019 charge for attempted second-degree murder.
Earlier this year, he was arrested after allegedly crashing a stolen vehicle on Tech Farm Road.
The Ruston Police Department continues to gather evidence and review surveillance footage as they work to identify all individuals involved in the Easter night violence.
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.