Crime
Lizz Weber Fatally Shot by Boyfriend in Suspected Murder-Suicide Following Domestic Dispute in Southern Kent County
GAINES TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A domestic disturbance in Gaines Township turned deadly Monday afternoon after Kent County Sheriff’s deputies responding to a reported argument discovered two people fatally shot inside a home.
According to Sgt. Scott Dietrich with the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched just after 1:00 p.m. to a residence on Madison Avenue north of 68th Street, following a call reporting a heated argument.
While en route, dispatchers updated deputies with new information indicating that a shooting had occurred at the location.
When deputies arrived, they found the bodies of a man and a woman inside the home, both deceased from apparent gunshot wounds.
The woman has been identified as Lizz Weber, who lived at the residence with her boyfriend.
The couple had reportedly been in a relationship for seven years.
According to those close to Weber, while arguments between the two had occurred in the past, no one anticipated such a tragic outcome.
“Domestics and traffic stops are the most dangerous calls we go on,” Sgt. Dietrich stated. “This one, obviously, is no different. These things can change so quickly. Our deputies were headed to what was initially described as an argument. That quickly escalated into a shooting. By the time they arrived, it was too late.”
As of late Monday afternoon, members of the Kent County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Detective Bureau remained on scene conducting a full investigation.
The medical examiner’s office is expected to complete autopsies soon to determine official causes of death.
Sgt. Dietrich also commended the individual who called 911 to report the argument, emphasizing the importance of alerting authorities when a situation shows signs of potential violence.
“We ask people to reach out for help. Call 911 if something doesn’t feel right. There are also many community resources like 211, domestic violence hotlines, and several local organizations in Grand Rapids that can help prevent situations like this from escalating.”
He continued,
“This is a horrible situation—for the family, for neighbors, for first responders who have to walk into a tragic and traumatic scene. We would much rather be called early to intervene in an argument than to arrive too late.”
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the male victim, and no further details regarding the sequence of events or potential suspects have been provided as of Monday evening.
Residents needing access to the area are advised to use 66th Street SE from Eastern Avenue to approach from the north, as the immediate vicinity remains restricted during the 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.