Crime
17-year-old Kiari Cunningham killed by boyfriend in accidental Greenville shooting
GREENVILLE, N.C. — A 17-year-old girl has died following what authorities believe to be an accidental shooting inside a Greenville residence.
According to the Greenville Police Department, officers responded to a reported shooting at approximately 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday at an apartment located at 1115-H Grovemont Drive.
Upon arrival, officers discovered 17-year-old Kiari Cunningham suffering from a gunshot wound.
Emergency responders provided immediate aid, and Cunningham was transported to ECU Health Medical Center, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
Preliminary findings from the investigation indicate that Cunningham was accidentally shot by her 17-year-old boyfriend, who was present at the scene.
Authorities say the boyfriend has been fully cooperative with investigators and was taken into custody as part of the ongoing inquiry.
While the investigation remains active, no formal charges have been announced at this time.
Police are continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses to determine the full circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Greenville Police Department or submit tips anonymously through Pitt-Greenville Crime Stoppers.
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.