Crime
Marianne Akers Identified as Driver in Chatham After-School Camp Crash That Killed 4 Children and Injured 6 Others
Toxicology results are pending.
Chatham, Illinois — The Illinois State Police (ISP) continues to investigate a tragic vehicle crash that occurred on the afternoon of Monday, April 28, 2025, in Chatham, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries, most of them children.
The driver involved in the incident has been identified as 44-year-old Marianne Akers of Chatham.
According to authorities, Akers is not currently in custody as the investigation remains ongoing.
However, preliminary information indicates that impairment may have been a factor in the crash.
At approximately 3:20 p.m., a vehicle operated by Akers reportedly left the roadway for unknown reasons, traveled through a field, and entered the east side of the YNOT After School Camp located at 301 Breckenridge Road.
The vehicle continued through the building, striking numerous individuals inside, before exiting through the opposite side of the structure.
Tragically, four victims lost their lives in the crash.
They have been identified as two 7-year-olds, an 8-year-old, and an 18-year-old. Six additional children sustained injuries and were transported to area hospitals. One remains in critical condition.
Akers, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, was not physically injured and was transported to a hospital for medical evaluation.
Multiple eyewitnesses reported that she appeared impaired at the scene. A field sobriety test was conducted and reportedly failed.
Toxicology results are pending.
While investigators have not identified any evidence suggesting the crash was intentional, the possibility of driving under the influence (DUI) remains a central focus.
Witness accounts and early findings indicate intoxication may have contributed to the deadly incident.
Akers is employed with the Chatham School District’s food service department. Authorities have not confirmed whether her employment status is relevant to the ongoing investigation.
Numerous agencies responded to the scene, including ISP Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit, ISP Patrol, Crime Scene Services, and Criminal Investigations Division, as well as the Chatham Police Department, Chatham Fire Department, Springfield Police Department, Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sangamon County Coroner.
Illinois State Police issued the following statement:
“This remains an active and ongoing investigation. We offer our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected, and to the Chatham community as they grieve this unimaginable loss.”
No further details are being released at this time.
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the Illinois State Police.
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.