Crime
Todd Patterson and Rachel Stewart killed in Suspected Murder-Suicide in Checotah
CHECOTAH, OK — Authorities are investigating a suspected murder-suicide involving a man and woman found dead Tuesday on 2nd Street in Checotah, near a home belonging to relatives of the male victim.
The victims have been identified as Todd Patterson and Rachel Stewart.
According to investigators, both individuals sustained gunshot wounds, and a firearm was recovered at the scene.
While the Medical Examiner’s Office will make the final determination regarding the cause and manner of death, law enforcement officials currently believe no other individuals were involved in the shooting.
At the time of the incident, a child—believed to be Stewart’s—was reportedly inside a nearby vehicle. Investigators do not believe the child witnessed the shooting.
The child is now safe.
In a complex and tragic turn, it has emerged that Stewart previously worked as a caseworker for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS).
She was reportedly assigned to a case involving Patterson’s children. According to the mother of Patterson’s two sons, Stewart and Patterson developed a personal relationship after her involvement as their DHS worker.
DHS confirmed that Stewart was employed with the department from August 2023 until three weeks prior to the incident.
In a statement released Wednesday, the agency said:
“This is a heartbreaking situation. We are continuing to work with local law enforcement during the investigation.”
Patterson’s family expressed shock over the incident, stating that he had been working hard to improve his life and comply with all expectations placed on him.
As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with additional information to come forward.
Further updates are expected to be provided during the evening news broadcasts at 9 and 10 p.m.
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.