Crime
Baldwin Park Police Officer Killed in the Line of Duty Identified as Samuel Riveros
Authorities have identified the Baldwin Park police officer who was tragically killed in the line of duty on Saturday night as Officer Samuel Riveros, a 9-year veteran of the department.
The deadly incident occurred during a shootout with a suspect in a residential neighborhood in Baldwin Park.
At approximately 7:21 p.m., officers responded to reports of a man firing a rifle in the 4200 block of Filhurst Avenue.
Upon arrival, officers immediately came under fire.
“When officers arrived, they were met by gunfire,” Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna stated during a press conference late Saturday night.
Officer Riveros and a second officer were both struck by gunfire. The Los Angeles County Fire Department confirmed that one officer was transported by ambulance, while the other was airlifted to USC Medical Center.
Despite life-saving efforts, Officer Riveros succumbed to his injuries. The second officer remains hospitalized in stable condition, surrounded by family.
Law enforcement returned fire during the exchange, striking the suspect. The individual was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital, where he remains in stable condition.
In a tragic development, a second victim was also discovered at the scene, suffering from fatal gunshot wounds.
Authorities believe the deceased individual may have been killed by the same suspect prior to the officers’ arrival.
The identity of the suspect has not yet been released, and investigators have not confirmed initial reports suggesting a second suspect may have been involved.
Surveillance footage from the area shows neighbors and partygoers fleeing in panic as gunfire erupted. One resident described the chaos as “unreal,” noting his car windshield was shattered in the crossfire.
Large crowds gathered near the scene following the incident, and local streets were cordoned off as law enforcement continued their investigation.
Officers and deputies remained in the neighborhood through the night.
Baldwin Park Police Chief Robert Lopez described Officer Riveros as “an amazing man,” adding that his death was “extremely tragic” for the department and the community.
“I ask the community to remember the officers and deputies who go out there every day, making it safe for all of our families and residents,” Chief Lopez said.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is leading the ongoing investigation.
Further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.
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.