Crime
Milwaukee Police Officer Kendall Corder Dies from Injuries Sustained in Ambush Shooting
MILWAUKEE, WI — Milwaukee Police Officer Kendall Corder, 32, has died from injuries sustained in a shooting that occurred while he was responding to a shots fired call Thursday night on the city’s north side. His death was confirmed by family members.
Officer Corder was one of two officers ambushed during the incident, which unfolded around 9 p.m. on June 26 near 25th and Garfield.
According to Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) officials, the officers were responding to a report of a suspect with a weapon when the call escalated to “shots fired” while they were en route.
As the officers exited their squad vehicle in an alley, they were immediately and unexpectedly fired upon. They did not have the opportunity to return fire, leading Milwaukee Police Association President Alexander Ayala to describe the incident as an “ambush.”
Both officers were rushed to Froedtert Hospital, a Level I trauma center.
Officer Corder suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to his upper arm and chest, with at least one bullet striking his heart, causing critical internal trauma. He succumbed to his injuries days later.
The second officer, identified by family as 29-year-old Christopher McCray, sustained non-life-threatening injuries, including gunshot wounds to his back and foot.
He was discharged from Froedtert Hospital on Saturday, June 28, and received a police escort home, where he will continue his recovery.
In a brief statement Saturday, Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman addressed the public for the first time since the shooting, expressing sorrow over the loss and commending the courage of both officers.
Chief Norman emphasized the dangers law enforcement officers face and praised their bravery under fire.
The suspected gunman, 22-year-old Tremaine Jones, was taken into custody without incident around 2:15 a.m. on Friday.
As of now, no formal charges have been filed, but the Milwaukee Police Department’s Homicide Division is actively investigating the case.
This marks the fourth Milwaukee police officer shot in the line of duty in the past five months, and the third officer shot in just the last two weeks, highlighting a troubling rise in violence against law enforcement in the city.
The Milwaukee Police Association has released a statement mourning the loss of Officer Corder and urging the community to honor his service. “He made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty while protecting others,” the statement read. “We will remember his commitment, courage, and dedication to keeping Milwaukee safe.”
Anyone with additional information regarding the shooting is encouraged to contact MPD or submit tips anonymously through 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.