Crime
11-Year-Old Caiden Connor Dies from Accidental Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound Inside Shreveport Home
SHREVEPORT, La. – Authorities have confirmed that 11-year-old Caiden Connor has died following an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest.
According to the Shreveport Police Department (SPD), the incident occurred in the 500 block of West 74th Street in the West Cedar Grove neighborhood at approximately 9:30 p.m..
Investigators say the boy gained access to a firearm inside the residence and accidentally discharged it.
Caiden was transported to Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport by his 19-year-old brother.
Despite immediate medical intervention, he succumbed to his injuries.
SPD officers recovered the firearm at the scene and confirmed that there were no signs of foul play.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Officials emphasized the incident as a tragic reminder of the importance of firearm safety.
“Firearms should always be secured and out of reach of children to prevent such tragedies,” said Cpl. Chris Bordelon. “SPD urges all gun owners to practice responsible firearm safety to help prevent future accidents.”
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and are urging the public to take proactive steps to ensure weapons are safely stored and inaccessible to minors.
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.