Crime
23-year-old Cameron Little killed after shooting at East Lake Park in Birmingham
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A 23-year-old man was killed and another person injured when gunfire broke out late Wednesday night at East Lake Park, prompting a homicide investigation by Birmingham police.
Officers from the East Precinct were dispatched to the park, located in the 100 block of 84th Street North, shortly after 11:30 p.m. The response followed an alert from the city’s Shot Spotter gunfire detection system, which recorded approximately 10 rounds fired in the area.
Upon arrival, officers discovered an adult male unresponsive in the park suffering from an apparent gunshot wound, according to Officer De’Rell Freeman, a spokesperson for the Birmingham Police Department.
Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service responded to the scene and pronounced the victim deceased.
On Friday, the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Cameron Demijah Little, 23.
Cameron Little was a devoted preacher, gospel artist, and songwriter, recently affiliated with Victorious Army – Atlanta (VBTVA). Known for his deep passion for Jesus Christ, Cameron used his musical gifts to inspire and uplift those around him. A rising voice in ministry, he had only recently joined VBTVA but was already committed to making a meaningful and positive impact through both his faith and music.
A second individual sustained injuries in the incident but is expected to recover. Authorities described those injuries as non-life-threatening.
Preliminary findings indicate that a group of individuals, including both men and women, had gathered in the park when an altercation—under unclear circumstances—led to the exchange of gunfire.
Investigators are still working to determine whether more than one shooter was involved.
As of early Thursday, no arrests had been made, though detectives have been actively interviewing witnesses and reviewing evidence.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Tips can be submitted directly to the Birmingham Police Department Homicide Division at 205-254-1764, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
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.