Crime
1 Killed After Shooting at Barton’s Landing Apartments in Fayetteville
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Authorities are actively investigating a fatal shooting that occurred Sunday morning at Barton’s Landing Place Apartments, located off Cliffdale Road near Bunce Road in Fayetteville.
The incident took place around 9:00 a.m. in the apartment complex’s parking lot. Fayetteville Police Department officers responded to the scene after receiving reports of gunfire.
Upon arrival, they located a man suffering from life-threatening injuries.
Despite emergency efforts, the victim succumbed to his wounds shortly after being found.
Witnesses described a disturbing scene as the events unfolded.
According to resident accounts, a man was seen walking through the area visibly distressed, shouting, and carrying what appeared to be an AR-style rifle.
Moments later, the individual reportedly laid down in the parking lot, awaiting police arrival. Another individual was also detained at the scene near him.
Eyewitnesses stated that the armed man told responding officers he acted in self-defense.
He allegedly claimed that unknown individuals had been lying in wait and fired at him first.
According to his statements, he did not recognize the individuals involved and observed a male wearing a blue shirt fleeing the area before police arrived.
The Fayetteville Police Department’s Homicide Unit is continuing its investigation to determine the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
At this time, officials have not released the identities of those involved, nor have they confirmed whether any charges have been filed.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Detective C. Johnson at (910) 584-6703 or provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (910) 483-TIPS (8477).
Investigators are seeking to speak with any additional witnesses who may have seen or heard anything related to the shooting.
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.