Crime
Victim Fatally Shot at Red Bird Mall in Dallas Identified
DALLAS, TEXAS — A well-known small business owner was tragically shot and killed Tuesday afternoon inside The Shops at RedBird, according to mall officials and Dallas police.
The victim has been identified as Jaime Rokkett, owner of the popular cookie and smoothie shop Cookies ’N Smoothies, located within the shopping center.
Dallas police officers responded to a shooting call around 4:00 p.m. in the 3600 block of West Camp Wisdom Road.
Upon arrival, they located Shepard with a gunshot wound. Despite life-saving efforts from Dallas Fire-Rescue, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators say the suspect and victim were acquainted, and the shooting appears to have been a targeted incident, not a random act of violence.
After fleeing the scene, the female suspect later turned herself in to authorities at the Arlington Police Department, where she was taken into custody without further incident.
The Shops at RedBird confirmed the identity of the victim, and news of his passing has sparked an outpouring of grief from the local business community.
Brandon Denson, a long-time mentee and friend of Jaime — affectionately known as “Mr. Jay” — shared a heartfelt tribute:
“One of my mentors, Mr. Jay, has tragically been shot and killed at his cookie business. I’m deeply hurt by this news. Mr. Jay taught me a great deal about the shirt printing business. We’ve had a professional relationship since 2016, and when he shifted to focus on his cookie business, I bought some of his equipment. We worked on multiple creative projects, and he was always encouraging and kind. Just last week, we shared a conversation about life and business. His loss is devastating and deeply personal.”
Denson noted Shepard’s positive influence extended to his family and community, adding that “Mr. Jay was always kind to my children and supported me unconditionally. This is a terrible loss.”
The ownership of The Shops at RedBird issued the following statement:
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred today at The Shops at RedBird. Our thoughts are with everyone affected during this incredibly difficult time.
This was an isolated, targeted event involving individuals known to one another — not a random act of violence. We are fully cooperating with local law enforcement in their investigation and remain committed to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for our shoppers, employees, and tenants.
The Shops at RedBird has a robust security program, including 24/7 patrols, surveillance systems, and close collaboration with law enforcement. We will continue to review and strengthen our safety protocols in response to this incident. We are grateful to our first responders and security personnel for their swift action.”
U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Dallas) responded to the shooting on social media, writing:
“My heart is with the loved ones of the victim, and I’m grateful to law enforcement for acting quickly.”
The identity of the suspect and potential charges have not yet been released.
The Dallas Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact authorities.
The Dallas community continues to mourn the loss of a respected entrepreneur and mentor whose presence left a lasting impact on many.
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.