Crime
UNM Shooting suspect arrested in Los Lunas
LOS LUNAS, N.M. — The suspect involved in a fatal shooting on the University of New Mexico (UNM) campus has been taken into custody by U.S. Marshals in Los Lunas, according to law enforcement officials.
The arrest follows a violent incident that occurred early Friday morning at the Casas del Rio student housing complex on the UNM campus.
The University of New Mexico Police Department (UNMPD) initially responded to reports of gunfire and discovered two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.
One of the victims was pronounced dead at the scene, while the second was transported for medical treatment with non-life-threatening injuries.
As a precaution, UNM officials issued an immediate campus lockdown and a shelter-in-place order, fearing the suspect may still have been in the vicinity.
The New Mexico State Police (NMSP) later assumed control of the investigation.
The shelter-in-place has since been lifted, though the crime scene remains active and under investigation.
Students residing in the Gila building, where the shooting is believed to have occurred on the second floor, reported hearing four to five gunshots shortly before midnight.
Several students described the incident as “one of the scariest experiences of their lives,” noting they witnessed people fleeing the building toward a nearby parking lot.
Throughout Friday, UNMPD conducted a staged, tactical evacuation of students from the impacted residence halls to ensure their safety.
Officials advised any remaining individuals on campus to stay in place unless directed otherwise by law enforcement.
According to the university’s website, new student orientation was underway at the time of the incident.
Additionally, freshman members of the UNM football team were staying on the fourth floor of the residence hall this summer.
At this time, authorities have not confirmed whether any UNM students—new or returning—were directly involved in the shooting.
Details regarding the identity of the suspect and victims have not been released.
The motive and circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation by the New Mexico State Police.
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the UNM Police Department at (505) 277-2241 or Albuquerque Metro Crime Stoppers at (505) 843-7867. Anonymous tips can also be submitted via the Crime Stoppers app or through their website at www.crimestoppersnm.com.
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.