Crime
Brandon Cross arrested in Qulture Bistro nightclub shooting that killed security guard Melvin Gibson
Florence County Sheriff T.J. Joye has released new details regarding a fatal shooting that occurred at a local nightclub over the weekend.
The incident took place at the Qulture Bistro on Sunday, resulting in the death of a security guard and injuries to multiple others.
Sheriff Joye confirmed that Brandon Cross has been arrested and charged with murder in connection to the shooting.
According to Florence County Detention Center records, Cross was booked on Tuesday evening.
The Florence County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased as 39-year-old Melvin Gibson of Florence, who was working as a security guard at the nightclub at the time of the incident.
Coroner Keith von Lutcken also confirmed that six additional individuals sustained gunshot wounds during the shooting.
Their conditions have not been disclosed.
Gibson’s family described him as a devoted father of four, a dedicated worker, and a kind-hearted individual who treated everyone with respect.
According to Sheriff Joye, the violence stemmed from a confrontation between Gibson and a group of individuals who had previous conflicts with him.
The group attempted to gain entry into the Qulture Bistro but were denied access by Gibson, who recognized them and viewed them as a potential threat.
Following the refusal, the group reportedly returned to the parking lot, retrieved three firearms, and initiated a shootout.
The exchange of gunfire resulted in Gibson being fatally struck.
Sheriff Joye indicated that the investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional arrests are likely as detectives work to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the shooting.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the Florence County Sheriff’s Office.
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.