Crime
18-year-old Jerrius Davis killed in Myrtle Beach officer-involved shooting
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) confirmed Sunday morning that it is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred late Saturday night in Myrtle Beach.
According to the Myrtle Beach Police Department (MBPD), at approximately 11:50 p.m. on Saturday, officers responded to reports of a disturbance near the 900 block of North Ocean Boulevard.
During the incident, authorities say an altercation escalated when an individual was observed firing a weapon.
In response, an MBPD officer discharged their firearm.
The individual shot during the officer’s response, later identified as 18-year-old Jerrius Davis of Bennettsville, succumbed to his injuries.
Additionally, police reported that 11 other individuals were injured during the disturbance and are currently receiving medical treatment.
No further details regarding the extent of their injuries have been released.
The officer involved in the shooting was not injured, and police have not indicated if there were any other officers harmed during the incident.
SLED officials stated that the investigation remains active and that further information will be made available as it develops.
In a public statement, the Myrtle Beach Police Department expressed its condolences, posting, “The Myrtle Beach Police Department offers its prayers and deepest sympathies to everyone affected by this incident.”
As of Sunday, all traffic on Ocean Boulevard has been reopened following a temporary closure due to the investigation.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or who possesses video footage of the incident to come forward.
Information can be shared directly with SLED or the Myrtle Beach Police Department by calling 843-918-1382.
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.