Crime
48-year-old Christopher Keith killed in Sylacauga shooting
SYLACAUGA, Ala. — The Sylacauga Police Department is actively investigating a Sunday night shooting that left one man dead and another injured in what authorities describe as a violent incident involving multiple gunshots.
According to Lt. Willis Whatley, officers responded to the area of East 5th Street near North Louisville Avenue on May 11, 2025, after receiving reports of numerous shots fired.
Upon arrival, officers discovered multiple shell casings scattered in the roadway, confirming that gunfire had occurred.
While processing the initial scene, Central Dispatch notified officers of two individuals reportedly suffering from gunshot wounds nearby on Curran Street.
Responding officers quickly located a vehicle containing both victims.
They immediately rendered aid with assistance from the Talladega County Sheriff’s Office until Sylacauga Ambulance Service arrived.
The victims were transported to Coosa Valley Medical Center for emergency care.
One individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was stabilized, while the second victim, later identified as Christopher Cornell Keith, 48, of Childersburg, was transferred to UAB Medical Center in Birmingham in critical condition. Sadly, Keith succumbed to his injuries on Monday, May 12, 2025.
The Sylacauga Police Department and the Talladega County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
At this time, no suspect information has been released, and investigators are working to determine a motive.
Authorities urge anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to contact the Sylacauga Police Department Investigation Division at 256-391-4390, the SPD tip line at 256-249-4716, or Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 1-833-251-7867. Anonymous tips are welcome and may be eligible for a cash reward.
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.