Crime
2 Killed After Domestic-Related Shooting in Lenoir County, Suspect Ross Smith Charged with Murder
Lenoir County, N.C. — A second victim has died following a violent domestic-related shooting that occurred in Lenoir County on the morning of May 2, prompting authorities to upgrade charges against the suspect to include an additional count of first-degree murder.
The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Calvin Carlyle Kennion, 24, of Pink Hill, succumbed to his injuries at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville.
As a result, Ross Jovian Smith, 35, of Kinston, will now face two felony counts of first-degree murder, in addition to several other serious charges.
Authorities say the incident unfolded shortly after 8:30 a.m. at a residence on the 100 block of Carl Ball Lane.
Investigators allege that Ross Smith forcibly entered the home and opened fire, fatally shooting his estranged wife, Latoya Marie Smith, 33, and critically injuring Calvin Kennion, who was also inside the residence.
Latoya Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. Kennion was initially airlifted from a landing zone in Jackson Heights to ECU Health Medical Center, where he remained in critical condition before succumbing to his injuries.
A dog inside the residence was also shot during the incident. The animal survived but sustained injuries.
Following the shootings, Smith fled the scene in a black Chrysler sedan.
With assistance from the Kinston Police Department, Lenoir County deputies located the abandoned vehicle on the 1400 block of Stroud Avenue in Kinston.
Smith, however, was not inside.
After a multi-agency search effort, Smith was located on foot and taken into custody without incident near the N.C. 903/N.C. 11 intersection in Pitt County at approximately 11:30 a.m.
According to Lenoir County Sheriff Jackie Rogers, Ross Smith is being charged with the following:
- Two counts of first-degree murder
- One count of attempted first-degree murder (now subject to modification)
- Felony breaking and entering
- Felony animal cruelty
Additional charges may be filed as the investigation progresses. Smith is currently being held without bond at the Lenoir County Detention Center.
He has not yet appeared before a magistrate.
Authorities continue to investigate the motive and circumstances surrounding the incident. More details will be released as they become available.
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.