Crime
Robin Kaye and her husband Thomas Deluca found shot to death inside Encino home
ENCINO, CA – A respected music supervisor for American Idol and her husband were found fatally shot inside a multi-million-dollar home in Encino, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
The victims have been identified as Robin Kaye and her husband, Thomas Deluca.
Officers responded to the residence on White Oak Avenue around 2:30 p.m. Monday following a request for a welfare check.
Upon arrival, they discovered two adults with gunshot wounds to the head. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Sources close to the investigation confirmed that the victims were found in separate rooms, though it remains unclear if the couple resided at the property.
Aerial footage captured by AIR7 revealed a shattered glass sliding door, though investigators have not confirmed whether it played a role in the incident.
In a statement released Tuesday, a spokesperson for American Idol expressed deep sorrow over the loss:
“We are devastated to hear of Robin and her dear husband Tom’s passing. Robin has been a cornerstone of the Idol family since 2009 and was truly loved and respected by all who came in contact with her. Robin will remain in our hearts forever, and we share our deepest sympathy with her family and friends during this difficult time.”
The motive behind the shootings remains unknown, and authorities have yet to identify any suspects.
However, neighbors have reported suspicious activity in recent days.
“We didn’t see or hear anything,” said Amee Faggen, a neighbor. “My renter called 911 on Thursday because she saw someone hopping the fence. I have no idea if that was related, but police and helicopters came and left.”
As of Tuesday morning, detectives remained on the scene, continuing their investigation into the double homicide.
The LAPD is urging anyone with information to come forward.
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.