Crime
Victim killed in ECSU shooting identified as 21-year-old Isaiah Caldwell
It is with profound sorrow and heartfelt sympathy that we inform you of the untimely passing of our beloved brother, Isaiah Caldwell (Fall 2021 – Great Dane Chapter).
Isaiah’s life was tragically cut short due to a senseless and indiscriminate act of gun violence during Elizabeth City State University’s Viking Fest celebrations.
On the evening of Saturday, April 26, 2025, Isaiah was simply enjoying the festivities—fellowshipping and bonding with fellow students—when individuals unaffiliated with the university engaged in gunfire on campus.
In the course of this reckless act, Isaiah was struck in the crossfire. Despite emergency efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.
Shortly before midnight, the Elizabeth City Police Department issued an emergency alert advising students and residents to shelter in place following reports of shots fired near Bias Hall.
At the time, hundreds of students and alumni had gathered at the Quad for the final day of Viking Fest, which included the ECSU Blue and White Vikings Spring Football game.
In total, three students sustained gunshot wounds to the legs and/or abdomen and were transported to the hospital for treatment.
Tragically, Isaiah Caldwell was pronounced deceased upon arrival.
Community members have shared accounts of the frightening experience. Victoria Lewis, speaking with Channel2 NOW, described how her daughter and grandson were near the scene. Her daughter and friends managed to find shelter, while her grandson narrowly escaped by running in the opposite direction. Thankfully, they both are safe.
The Elizabeth City State University Police Department, Elizabeth City Police Department, Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office, Camden County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) are actively investigating the shooting.
Authorities have confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the campus community.
As a precaution, ECSU Police have increased patrols, and access to the center of campus remains restricted as of Sunday.
In a statement, university officials expressed their deep sadness over this tragic event, extending thoughts and prayers to the victims, their families, and the entire Viking community.
ECSU Counseling Services will be available today, Sunday, April 27, 2025, starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Mickey L. Burnim Fine Arts Center.
Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to seek support if they are experiencing trauma or distress. Immediate and after-hours counseling services are available by calling 252-335-3275.
In light of recent events, Bedell Dining Hall will be closed today. Breakfast will be delivered directly to residence halls beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Lunch will be available from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m., and dinner from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., both served at the K.E. White Graduate Center. Shuttle services will be provided for students as needed.
Anyone with information related to this incident is strongly encouraged to contact University Police at 252-335-3266.
Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
As we mourn the loss of Isaiah, we ask that you keep his family, friends, and fraternity brothers in your thoughts and prayers during this unimaginably difficult time.
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.