Crime
Three Killed in Montgomery Shootings, Including 15-Year-Old Boy
MONTGOMERY, AL – Montgomery police have confirmed that three individuals, including a 15-year-old boy, were killed in separate but violent incidents that occurred between Thursday and Saturday across the city.
The victims have been identified as:
- Brantley McNabb, 15
- Malik Benson, 27
- Dekeith Whatley, 26
The first fatal shooting took place on Thursday, July 10, at approximately 2:41 p.m., when officers and fire medics responded to the 1100 block of Air Base Boulevard following a report of a gunshot victim.
Brantley McNabb, a young teenager, was found at the scene and was pronounced dead shortly after emergency personnel arrived.
Two additional homicides occurred Saturday afternoon, July 12, in what authorities believe were related shootings.
First responders were dispatched around 3:55 p.m. to reports of gunfire in two separate locations: the 400 block of North California Street and the 2700 block of Upper Wetumpka Road.
At the first scene, officers located Malik Benson, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Shortly afterward, authorities found Dekeith Whatley with gunshot wounds on Upper Wetumpka Road.
Despite medical efforts, Whatley also succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators have not yet released details regarding the circumstances or possible motives behind the shootings, but have confirmed that the Saturday incidents are believed to be connected.
The Montgomery Police Department is urging anyone with information to come forward.
Tips can be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at (334) 215-STOP, to Montgomery detectives at (334) 625-2831, or through the Secret Witness tip line at (334) 625-4000.
The investigations remain active and ongoing.
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.