Crime
Victim killed in Bedford Avenue shooting identified as 25-year-old Zaykeese Brown
LYNCHBURG, VA — The Lynchburg Police Department has confirmed the identity of the victim in Tuesday night’s fatal shooting on Bedford Avenue as 25-year-old Zaykeese Amarius Brown, a resident of Lynchburg.
Brown was pronounced dead after sustaining a gunshot wound to the chest.
According to authorities, officers responded to reports of a shooting and arrived to find Brown critically injured.
Despite lifesaving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Investigators have since reviewed surveillance footage in the area and identified a single camera angle that captures an individual walking away from the scene.
Police believe this person may be connected to the shooting and are pursuing this as a potential lead in the investigation.
In a statement, the Lynchburg Police Department expressed its sympathies:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and loved ones of Zaykeese during this incredibly difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences as they navigate this profound loss.”
Authorities believe the shooting was an isolated incident and have stated that there is no known ongoing threat to the community.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to contact Detective Dubie at (434) 455-6102 or call Crime Stoppers at (888) 798-5900 to provide anonymous tips.
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.