Crime
17-year-old Sean Davis killed after shooting at Pageland Watermelon Festival
PAGELAND, S.C. — A festive summer evening turned tragic during the town’s annual Watermelon Festival late Friday, when gunfire erupted near a crowded intersection, killing a 17-year-old boy and sending shockwaves through the tight-knit community.
The shooting occurred at approximately 10:41 p.m. at the intersection of McGregor and South Pearl Street—just feet from the Pageland Police Department’s tent and within yards of Chesterfield County Sheriff’s deputies who were working security for the event.
The victim, identified as 17-year-old Sean Davis, was struck by gunfire as dozens of panicked festivalgoers fled the scene, according to witnesses.
The initial 911 call was received just moments after shots rang out, triggering an emergency response.
First responders initially requested a medical helicopter to transport the critically wounded teen from the nearby Pageland Airport.
However, due to the urgency of his condition, emergency crews opted to rush him by ambulance to a trauma center in the Charlotte area.
Despite their efforts, sources confirmed Davis was pronounced dead before reaching the hospital.
The Chesterfield County Coroner’s Office officially declared his death around midnight.
Shortly after the shooting, agents from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) arrived on the scene to begin their investigation.
Crime scene technicians and SLED agents remained well into the early morning hours Saturday, meticulously documenting evidence and marking where the shooter may have fired and where Davis collapsed.
While law enforcement has not publicly named a suspect, investigators discovered a second trail of blood near the original crime scene, raising the possibility that another individual may have also been shot.
Sources indicated that hospitals in the region were likely alerted to be on the lookout for any patients seeking treatment for gunshot wounds—a standard protocol in active shooting investigations.
The Pageland Police Department released a brief statement confirming the fatal shooting and the age of the victim.
The statement did not include any details about the circumstances or potential threat to the public. The department also announced that the investigation is now being led by SLED.
Pageland Police Chief Dean Short offered condolences, stating:
“Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of the young individual whose life was tragically lost. This is a heartbreaking event that deeply impacts our entire community.”
In response to the tragedy, town officials canceled the remainder of the Watermelon Festival, issuing the following statement on Facebook:
“Out of respect for the victim and their family, we believe this is the most appropriate course of action. Our hearts and prayers are with all those affected by this senseless act of violence. We thank our community for their understanding and ask everyone to continue supporting one another during this difficult time.”
The investigation remains active.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact SLED or local law enforcement.
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.