Crime
Minneapolis Catholic School Shooting Victim Identified as 14-year-old Sophia
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — A tragic mass shooting unfolded Wednesday morning at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, leaving three people dead—including two children—and at least 17 others injured.
Authorities confirmed that the suspected gunman, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene.
Among the injured is 14-year-old Sophia, who is reported to be in extremely critical condition following emergency surgery.
Her condition was shared publicly by Fr. Timothy Sas of St. Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Minneapolis, who, along with clergy across the community, has requested prayers for Sophia, the other victims, and their families.
Two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed in the attack. In total, 17 others were wounded, including 14 children and three adults, according to Minneapolis police.
Investigators said Westman approached the side of the church connected to the school and opened fire through stained glass windows as students sat in the pews during morning mass. Police believe the shooter blocked at least two entrances to the church with wooden planks prior to the attack, suggesting an effort to trap people inside.
Authorities confirmed the assailant was armed with three weapons—a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol—all of which were discharged during the assault. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara described the act as “a deliberate act of violence against innocent children and worshippers,” calling it an “incomprehensible display of cruelty and cowardice.”
Court records reviewed by Channel 2 News reveal that the suspect, originally named Robert Westman, legally changed her name to Robin in 2020 while still a minor, with support from her mother. Records state that Westman “identifies as a female and wants her name to reflect that identification.” Her mother, who retired in 2021, had previously worked at Annunciation Catholic School.
Law enforcement officials are also reviewing digital evidence connected to the suspect. A YouTube account, now deleted but believed to have belonged to Westman, contained a 20-minute video resembling a manifesto. In the video, a drawing of a church is shown being stabbed repeatedly while a voice says, “I’m going to kill myself.” Other videos posted included footage of gun parts and firearms, some marked with the names of past mass shooters. One part reportedly included a threatening message directed at former President Donald Trump.
Police recovered the suspect’s vehicle parked near the school, which is being examined as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities are working to determine whether the suspect fired exclusively from outside the church or also entered during the assault.
Chief O’Hara confirmed that the shooter ultimately died by suicide inside the rear of the church. “The sheer cruelty of firing into a church full of children is absolutely incomprehensible,” he stated.
The shooting comes just days after the start of the new school year. Students were gathered for mass when the violence erupted, devastating families, parishioners, and the wider community. Faith leaders, including Fr. Sas, have urged the public to keep the victims and their families in prayer, especially Sophia, who remains in life-threatening condition.
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.