Crime
Child’s Body Found in Dumpster near Titus Street and Van Nuys Boulevard
Authorities in Van Nuys have launched an active investigation following the discovery of a child’s body in a dumpster near the intersection of Titus Street and Van Nuys Boulevard.
The Los Angeles Police Department responded to the scene earlier today after receiving a report of a deceased individual in the area.
Upon arrival, officers located the body inside a dumpster.
It has since been confirmed that the victim is a child.
A large crime scene has been established, including the setup of a forensic canopy as investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
The area is expected to remain cordoned off for an extended period while detectives collect evidence and canvass for information.
Police are urging the public to avoid the vicinity of Titus St. and Van Nuys Blvd. until further notice.
Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact LAPD’s Valley Bureau Homicide Division or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS.
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.