Crime
26-year-old Julia Hyman Killed in Midtown Manhattan Mass Shooting
NEW YORK, NY — Julia Hyman, a 26-year-old associate at Rudin Management and a 2020 graduate of Cornell University, has been identified as one of the four victims killed in Monday evening’s mass shooting at a Midtown Manhattan office tower.
Hyman was employed by Rudin Management, the real estate firm that owns 345 Park Avenue, the site of the shooting.
According to her LinkedIn profile, she held an associate position with the company.
In a statement, the Rudin family expressed their sorrow over the tragic event:
“The Rudin family and everyone at our company are devastated by yesterday’s senseless tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with those injured and lost last night, including our cherished Rudin colleague, a brave New York City police officer, a beloved lobby security guard, and an employee at a tenant firm.”
The family also extended their gratitude to emergency personnel, including the NYPD, FBI, EMS, and other first responders for their swift and courageous response.
“We also thank the Mayor and Police Commissioner for their leadership. The building will remain closed today as the authorities continue their investigations. As New Yorkers, we stand shoulder to shoulder in the face of this hatred, we grieve with the families and loved ones of those lost, and we pray for the full recovery of those injured.”
Earlier the same day, financial firm Blackstone confirmed that one of their top executives, 41-year-old Wesley LePatner, was also among those killed.
LePatner served as the Global Head of Core+ Real Estate and CEO of the Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust (BREIT).
The shooting also claimed the life of NYPD Officer Didarul Islam and one additional victim, whose identity has not yet been publicly released.
The assailant, identified as 27-year-old Shane Tamura of Las Vegas, opened fire in the building’s lobby and later on the 33rd floor before taking his own life.
Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attack.
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.