Crime
15-year-old killed in Charlotte shooting
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A 15-year-old boy was shot and killed late Thursday night in a shooting incident at an apartment complex in northeast Charlotte, prompting a homicide investigation by local authorities.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) officers responded to the scene just before 11:30 p.m. on Merrick Street, located near North Tryon Street.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a teenage male, later identified as Syllavon, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel.
Initial reports indicate that gunfire was directed into the apartment building, damaging property and resulting in the fatal injury to the teen.
CMPD’s Homicide Unit, along with crime scene investigators, Charlotte Fire Department crews, and paramedics, were called to the complex to begin an extensive investigation.
Throughout the night, police were seen canvassing the parking lot and surrounding areas, collecting evidence and speaking with potential witnesses.
Detectives are working to determine whether the victim was the intended target or if the shooting was a result of indiscriminate gunfire.
As of early Friday morning, no suspects had been publicly identified, and no arrests had been made.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward.
Members of the public with relevant tips are encouraged to contact CMPD Homicide Unit detectives directly at 704-432-TIPS.
Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers by calling 704-334-1600.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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.