Crime
11-Year-Old Julian Guzman Dies After Being Shot During ‘Ding-Dong Ditch’ Prank
HOUSTON, Texas — Police have detained a suspect after 11-year-old Julian Guzman was fatally shot while playing a prank known as “ding-dong ditch” in Houston’s Eastside late Saturday night.
The incident occurred at a residence in the 9734 block of Mimbrough, where investigators say a group of children had been playing the game — which involves ringing a doorbell or knocking on a door and then running away before anyone answers.
According to authorities, a man came outside during the prank and opened fire, striking Guzman multiple times in the back.
The child was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Police confirmed that several firearms were recovered from the suspect’s home.
The individual, described only as a middle-aged man, was taken into custody at the scene.
Officers were observed escorting him in handcuffs back to the residence, though police have not yet released his name or confirmed whether formal charges have been filed.
Neighbors expressed shock and grief over the shooting. Theresa Jones, who lives nearby, called the tragedy “really sad” and emphasized the dangers of firearms around children, stating, “A bullet doesn’t have a name.”
Officials with the Houston Police Department’s Major Assault Division said the case remains under active investigation.
“At this time, prayers are going out to the family of the child that’s been shot,” an HPD officer said early Sunday morning.
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.