Crime
Three Dead, Including Infant in Mass Shooting at WestFest Carnival at Centennial Park
WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — A tragic shooting at the annual WestFest celebration in Centennial Park left three people dead — including an infant and a woman uninvolved in the altercation — and several others injured late Sunday evening.
According to West Valley City Police spokesperson Roxeanne Vainuku, the incident occurred around 9:20 p.m. near 5600 West and 3100 South.
Officers patrolling the event observed two groups of individuals engaged in a heated verbal confrontation.
As officers approached to de-escalate the situation, a 16-year-old male from one of the groups pulled out a firearm and began shooting at the other group.
One responding officer discharged their weapon at the suspect in an attempt to neutralize the threat but did not strike him.
Five individuals sustained gunshot wounds.
An 18-year-old male, believed to be part of the opposing group from the shooter, died at the scene.
Tragically, two bystanders with no connection to the dispute — a 41-year-old woman and an 8-month-old infant — were also struck by gunfire.
Both were transported to a nearby hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries.
Authorities confirmed that the woman and child were not related.
Two additional teenagers were wounded during the shooting: a 17-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy, both suffering non-life-threatening gunshot injuries to their arms.
Investigators are working to determine whether either teen was affiliated with the groups involved in the initial argument.
In the ensuing chaos, a pregnant woman was injured while attempting to scale a fence to flee the gunfire.
Her condition has not been publicly disclosed.
The 16-year-old suspect was taken into custody at the scene without further incident and is being held for questioning.
Officials have not yet confirmed a motive for the altercation, and it remains unclear whether the violence was gang-related.
Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have video footage or information to come forward as the investigation continues.
“This is a heartbreaking and senseless act of violence that has deeply impacted our community,” said Vainuku. “We are committed to finding answers and holding the responsible parties fully accountable.”
WestFest, a popular family-friendly community event, was immediately shut down following the shooting.
Grief counselors and victim support services are being coordinated for those affected.
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.