Crime
Annunciation Catholic Church School Shooter Robin Westman Manifesto Reveals Regret Over Gender Transition
Authorities have confirmed that the Minneapolis school shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin (Robert) Westman, left behind a manifesto posted online shortly before carrying out the deadly attack at a Catholic school and church in Minnesota.
In the writings, which were shared on YouTube and composed partly in English and partly in Russian using Cyrillic script, Westman expressed deep regret over undergoing a gender transition and described ongoing struggles with identity.
Westman wrote extensively about dissatisfaction with personal appearance, particularly regarding long hair associated with the transition.
“I only keep [the long hair] because it is pretty much my last shred of being trans. I am tired of being trans, I wish I never brain-washed myself,” Westman wrote.
The manifesto further revealed Westman’s internal conflict and frustration over perceived failures in achieving a desired physical identity.
“I can’t cut my hair now as it would be an embarrassing defeat, and it might be a concerning change of character that could get me reported. It just always gets in my way. I will probably chop it on the day of the attack.”
The writings also disclosed regret and despair regarding transitioning.
“I regret being trans. I wish I was a girl, I just know I cannot achieve that body with the technology we have today. I also can’t afford that.”
The attack left two children dead and dozens of others injured before Westman took his own life, according to investigators.
Authorities are continuing to review the online postings as part of their broader investigation into the motive behind the shooting.
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.