Crime
Oregon police arrest suspect who stabbed 11 people at Union Gospel Mission of Salem homeless shelter
SALEM, OREGON — Authorities have confirmed that eleven individuals were injured during a mass stabbing incident at a homeless shelter in Salem on the evening of June 1.
The violent attack occurred at the Union Gospel Mission of Salem, located at 777 Commercial Street NE, just north of the downtown area.
Salem Police Department officers responded to the scene at approximately 7:15 p.m. after reports of a stabbing involving multiple victims.
Upon arrival, officers located numerous injured individuals both inside the shelter, in front of the facility, and across the street.
Emergency medical personnel began immediate treatment and transported the injured to Salem Health Hospital.
Police spokesperson Angela Hedrick confirmed that a total of eleven people were stabbed during the incident.
Their conditions vary, though no fatalities have been reported as of the latest update.
The identities of the victims have not been publicly released.
The suspect, described as an adult male, was taken into custody shortly after the incident.
His name has not yet been disclosed, and a possible motive has not been determined.
Detectives with the Salem Police Department remain on scene, actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Photos and video from the area show a large emergency response, including multiple police vehicles, ambulances, and fire department personnel staged outside the shelter. The Union Gospel Mission’s men’s facility, which opened in July 2023, is located directly across from Salem Police Department headquarters.
As a safety measure, southbound Commercial Street at D Street NE was temporarily closed, with traffic being diverted westbound onto Front Street NE. Police reported that the roadways had been reopened by approximately 8:40 p.m.
The Union Gospel Mission of Salem provides shelter, meals, and support services for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Saturday’s incident marks one of the most significant acts of violence at a homeless services facility in recent Oregon history.
Authorities are asking anyone with information or surveillance footage from the area around the time of the incident to contact Salem Police as the investigation continues.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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.