Crime
Eric Tarpinian-Jachym shot and killed in Northwest DC
Authorities have confirmed that he was not the intended target of the shooting.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A 21-year-old congressional intern was fatally shot Monday night in what authorities believe was a targeted attack that tragically claimed the life of an unintended victim in Northwest Washington, D.C.
The victim, Eric Tarpinian-Jachym of Granby, Massachusetts, had been serving as a summer intern for U.S. Representative Ron Estes (R-Kan.) since June.
He was also a rising senior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he was studying finance with a minor in political science.
According to the Metropolitan Police Department, the shooting occurred at approximately 10:28 p.m. near the intersection of 7th and M Streets NW.
Investigators say multiple suspects exited a vehicle and opened fire on a group of individuals in what is believed to have been a targeted attack.
Three people were struck by gunfire, including Tarpinian-Jachym, an adult woman, and a 16-year-old male.
While the other two victims were conscious at the scene, Tarpinian-Jachym was found unresponsive.
All three were transported to nearby hospitals, where Tarpinian-Jachym succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday.
Authorities have confirmed that he was not the intended target of the shooting.
Police have since recovered the suspect vehicle, and the investigation remains active. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
In a statement, Rep. Ron Estes and his wife, Susan, extended their heartfelt condolences to the Tarpinian-Jachym family.
“Eric was an exceptional young man with a kind heart who always welcomed visitors to our office with a cheerful smile,” Estes said. “We are deeply grateful for his service to Kansas’ 4th District and our country. His loss is a tragic reminder of the senseless violence that continues to affect our communities.”
Rep. Estes has represented Kansas’ 4th Congressional District since 2017 and currently serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means, the Budget Committee, and the Joint Economic Committee. He also chairs the Social Security Subcommittee.
Anyone with information related to the shooting is urged to contact the Metropolitan Police Department at (202) 727-9099 or submit anonymous tips via text to 50411.
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.