Crime
13-year-old Aymira Thomas killed in Canton shooting
CANTON, Mich. — A 13-year-old girl, identified as Aymira Thomas, was fatally shot inside her family’s apartment Tuesday afternoon in a heartbreaking incident that has left the Canton community in shock.
The shooting occurred around 12:24 p.m. at the Ridgeline at Canton apartment complex, formerly known as the Crossings of Canton, located near Joy Road and Honeytree Boulevard.
Canton’s 911 call center received reports of a shooting, prompting an immediate response from police and emergency medical personnel.
First responders arrived within minutes and attempted life-saving measures, but the young victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to Canton police, Aymira’s 21-year-old brother was taken into custody at the scene and is considered a person of interest in the ongoing investigation.
Preliminary findings suggest that he may have been in possession of the firearm that discharged the fatal shot.
Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that the shooting was accidental.
Canton Township Deputy Chief Joseph Bialy expressed deep concern about the presence of an unsecured firearm in the home, calling it a tragic reminder of the importance of responsible gun storage, particularly in households with children.
“This is a devastating loss, regardless of the circumstances,” said Bialy. “Our hearts go out to the family as we work to determine exactly what happened.”
The scene outside the Ridgeline complex remained tense as dozens of family members gathered, watching as investigators processed the scene and collected evidence.
Additional officers remained on-site for several hours interviewing witnesses and securing the area. Authorities have confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
In a related incident, a responding police vehicle was involved in a collision at Cherry Hill and Lilley Roads. Minor injuries were reported as a result of the crash.
Police have not released further details regarding the circumstances of the shooting but say the investigation remains active and fluid.
The public is urged to contact the Canton Police Department with any information that could assist in the case.
“As a community, we mourn the tragic loss of a young life,” police said in a statement. “We are committed to a thorough and transparent investigation and will continue to share updates as they become available.”
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.