Crime
1 killed after shooting in Windham, suspect James Ford found dead
WINDHAM, Maine — Authorities have confirmed that suspect in a fatal shooting in North Windham, identified as James O. Ford, was found deceased following a large-scale search involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
According to officials, the incident occurred shortly before 2:00 p.m. on Friday along Route 302 near Landing Road in North Windham.
Officers from the Windham Police Department, assisted by the Maine State Police and the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, responded to reports of gunfire.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite life-saving efforts administered by bystanders and first responders, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
The victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Investigators quickly identified James O. Ford as the primary suspect. Witness accounts led officers to believe that Ford fled the scene in a silver vehicle heading toward Raymond.
A short time later, police located the suspect’s vehicle in the parking lot of a Dunkin’ store in Raymond.
Maine State Police Major Lucas Hare stated that Ford was located shortly after the vehicle was found.
His cause of death has not yet been released, and the Office of Chief Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy in the coming days.
The incident prompted a shelter-in-place order for residents in Windham and Raymond at approximately 4:00 p.m.
Authorities also closed Route 302 at Landing Road for several hours, reopening it around 6:30 p.m. The shelter-in-place advisory was lifted shortly before a press conference held at 7:30 p.m. at the Windham Central Fire Station.
During the search, an Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) alert was issued stating:
“Gunman at large in North Windham. Shelter indoors, lock doors. Report suspicious behavior to 911. Last seen Windham/Raymond line. Stay inside. Tune to local news or Windham PD for updates.”
Officials later clarified that the alert had been mistakenly broadcast statewide instead of to the targeted affected area.
Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Additional information, including the identities of those involved, will be released once family members have been notified.
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.