Crime
Surveillance Video Captures Moments Leading Up to Shooting at Oglethorpe Mall in Savannah
SAVANNAH, GA — A shooting at Oglethorpe Mall on Wednesday evening left multiple people injured and prompted a large-scale emergency and law enforcement response.
Savannah Police Chief Lenny Gunther addressed the media shortly after the incident, confirming that the violence stemmed from an altercation between two groups — not an active shooter situation.
“This is not a random act of violence,” Chief Gunther stated. “It appears to have been two groups involved in a dispute that escalated into gunfire. This was not an active shooter scenario.”
According to Gunther, three individuals — two young adults and one juvenile — sustained gunshot wounds.
Their injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening. Chatham EMS confirmed that a total of seven people were transported from the scene, four of whom suffered medical emergencies unrelated to gunfire.
One individual remains in critical condition.
The shooting began inside a store within the mall and continued outside, according to police.
The incident occurred around 5:45 p.m., prompting the immediate evacuation of Oglethorpe Mall and a swift lockdown of surrounding areas.
Firefighters from the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 574 were dispatched at approximately 5:43 p.m. Multiple ambulances responded to the scene, and additional fire and EMS personnel were deployed to assist with triage and transportation of victims.
Authorities described the situation as “active and dangerous” earlier in the evening, urging the public to avoid the area. Witnesses reported being ordered to shelter in place inside stores until law enforcement secured the mall.
Security camera footage of the incident has since surfaced online, though law enforcement has not yet commented on the contents of the leak.
The Savannah Police Department, alongside other local and federal agencies, continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Officials have not announced any arrests or identified the individuals involved.
“This is a serious matter that involved multiple victims and created fear and confusion in our community,” Gunther added. “We are working diligently to ensure justice is served and the public remains safe.”
Residents are encouraged to report any additional information or video related to the incident and to continue avoiding the area while the investigation remains active.
Updates will be provided as new details emerge.
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.