Crime
Well-known Houston barbe Paul “Junebug” Stevenson killed in drive-by shooting outside a southeast Houston bar
HOUSTON, TX – A late-night drive-by shooting outside a nightclub in southeast Houston on Sunday has left two people dead and 15 others injured, according to the Houston Police Department.
One of the victims killed has been identified as Paul “Junebug” Stevenson, the owner of the club and a well-known local barber.
The second fatality was a 21-year-old woman, whose identity has not yet been publicly released.
The shooting occurred shortly after 11:45 p.m. in the parking lot of a club located near Dixie Road and Heffernan Street.
According to Assistant Police Chief Adrian Rodriguez, a black four-door sedan pulled up and multiple rounds were fired into a crowd of people who were waiting to enter the venue. The vehicle fled the scene heading down Dixie Drive.
One victim died at the scene, while the second was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Several of the injured victims were transported by private vehicles, while others were treated on site or by EMS and taken to area hospitals.
Police initially reported seven injuries, but that number was revised Monday to a total of 15 survivors, all of whom are currently listed in stable condition.
The victims include:
- Eight males, ranging in age from 17 to 52 (ages 52, 21, 19, 19, 19, 18, 17, and 17)
- Seven females, ranging in age from 14 to 21 (ages 21, 21, 19, 18, 18, 18, and 14)
Authorities have not released a possible motive for the attack and say the circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation.
Detectives are currently reviewing surveillance footage and plan to interview victims once their medical conditions allow.
“This was a senseless act of violence that affected innocent lives,” said Assistant Chief Rodriguez. “We are committed to finding those responsible and bringing justice to the victims and their families.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Houston Police at 713-308-3600 or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477).
This is an active and ongoing investigation.
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.