Crime
29-year-old Ra’Quawan Kilgore killed after shooting in west Columbus
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Division of Police has identified the victim of a fatal shooting that occurred early Friday morning on the city’s west side as 29-year-old Ra’Quawan Kilgore.
Officers responded to a reported shooting in the 300 block of South Guilford Avenue just before 6:00 a.m. on Friday, where they found Kilgore suffering from a gunshot wound.
He was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to his injuries at approximately 5:00 p.m. the same day.
Authorities confirmed that an adult female was arrested at the scene.
According to police, the woman identified herself as the shooter and immediately informed officers that the incident stemmed from a confrontation with Kilgore.
She has not been publicly named, as the investigation remains ongoing and she has claimed the shooting was in self-defense.
Preliminary findings suggest the incident may be related to domestic violence. Investigators say the woman told detectives that she shot Kilgore after he allegedly threatened her.
She is reportedly cooperating fully with authorities as the case continues to be reviewed.
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Columbus Police Homicide Unit at 614-645-4730 or 614-645-2040.
Anonymous tips can be submitted to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers by calling 614-461-TIPS (8477).
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.