Crime
31-year-old Literrance Bratton killed in Birmingham shooting
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred late Sunday night in the Ensley neighborhood, leaving one man dead and a suspect in custody.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as 31-year-old Literrance Leon Bratton, a resident of Birmingham.
The shooting took place at approximately 11:53 p.m. in the 2700 block of 30th Street in Ensley.
According to Sgt. LaQuitta Wade of the Birmingham Police Department, a nearby officer heard gunfire and observed two individuals attempting to flee the scene in a vehicle.
The officer initiated a short vehicle pursuit, which concluded near Aaron Aronov Drive and Valley Road in Fairfield.
One suspect was apprehended without incident and taken into custody.
Preliminary findings indicate that the shooting stemmed from a verbal altercation between Bratton and the suspect, which escalated into gunfire.
Bratton was transported to UAB Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:08 a.m. Monday.
The suspect is currently being held on a 48-hour felony extension at the Birmingham City Jail as detectives continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
No additional details, including the suspect’s identity, have been released at this time.
The investigation remains active, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Birmingham Police Department or Crime Stoppers.
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.