Crime
11-year-old Marshaun Futrell Jr killed in St. Louis County shooting
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — The St. Louis County Police Department’s Bureau of Crimes Against Persons is actively investigating a tragic shooting that claimed the life of an 11-year-old boy on Monday evening.
At approximately 8:14 p.m., officers from the North County Precinct were dispatched to the 1800 block of Longford Drive in response to a reported shooting.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a young male, identified as Marshaun Futrell Jr., also known by loved ones as “Legend,” suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
Emergency medical personnel transported the child to a nearby hospital, where medical teams attempted life-saving measures.
Unfortunately, Marshaun succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
Detectives with the Bureau of Crimes Against Persons responded to the scene and have since launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities have not yet disclosed additional details regarding how the incident occurred, or whether any suspects have been identified.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the St. Louis County Police Department is asking anyone with information that could assist in the case to contact them directly or submit tips anonymously through CrimeStoppers.
The department issued a statement offering their condolences:
“Our hearts are with the family and loved ones of Marshaun Futrell Jr. during this unimaginable time. We are committed to thoroughly investigating this tragic loss of life and bringing answers to those affected.”
Community leaders and residents are also expressing sorrow and outrage as the St. Louis region continues to grapple with the devastating impact of youth gun violence.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the St. Louis County Police Department or call CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477).
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.