Crime
Schenectady High School 9th grader 15-year-old Dubar Knowles killed in shooting
UPDATE: Schenectady Police have identified the 15-year-old homicide victim from last night’s shooting on Congress Street as Dubar T. Knowles, of Schenectady.
The 13-year-old female victim is also from Schenectady and is currently recovering from surgery at a local hospital for a gunshot wound.
She is in stable condition.
Medina Knowles, the sister of the victim in this case, was tragically murdered by her then-20-year-old boyfriend, Raekwon Stover, in September 2016. Stover, who was dating the 17-year-old Medina, coerced her into prostitution, forcing her to engage in sexual acts for money.
When Medina refused to continue this harmful and exploitative behavior, prosecutors allege that Stover became enraged. In a violent act committed in front of Medina’s young son and siblings, Stover fatally shot her in the head.
This horrific incident highlights the devastating consequences of human trafficking and the importance of raising awareness about this serious issue.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
On the evening of October 12, 2024, at approximately 11:20pm, Schenectady police officers responded to the 1100 block of Congress Street for multiple reports of shots fired.
Upon arrival, officers observed a large crowd running from the area and located a 15-year-old male in the backyard of 1122 Congress Street, suffering from a gunshot wound to his torso.
While investigating, officers were made aware of an additional victim from the incident several blocks away, on Chrisler Avenue.
There they located a 13-year-old female suffering from a gunshot wound to her head/neck area.
Both victims were assisted by the Schenectady Fire Department and brought to area hospitals.
The 15-year-old male victim has died at the hospital from his injuries and the 13-year-old female victim is currently in stable condition and receiving treatment.
Through the preliminary investigation, it appears the victims and multiple other juveniles were attending a party at 1122 Congress Street when the suspect, or suspects, began shooting.
At this time, Schenectady police detectives and investigators from the New York State Police are actively investigating the incident.
There is currently no one in custody. Detectives are asking for
the public’s assistance in this investigation and those with information are asked to call our Tips Line at: 518-788-6566.
Crime
Anna Kepner Stepbrother Timothy Hudson Charged With Murder Months After Her Death Aboard Cruise Ship
Brevard County, Fla. — New court filings reveal that Timothy Hudson, the 16-year-old stepbrother of 18-year-old Anna Kepner has been charged with homicide in connection with her death, months after she was found deceased aboard a cruise ship during a family vacation.
Anna, a resident of Titusville, was discovered dead in her stateroom on November 7, 2025, while traveling with family aboard the Carnival Horizon.
According to court documents, her body was found under a bed in the cabin.
Filings state that she died from asphyxiation resulting from what was described as a “bar hold.”
Because Anna’s death occurred while the ship was in open water returning to Miami following a weeklong Caribbean cruise, the case is being prosecuted in federal court.
On February 20, Thomas Hudson filed an emergency petition in Brevard County seeking sole custody of his 9-year-old daughter, whom he shares with his ex-wife, Shauntel Hudson.
The child currently resides primarily with Shauntel and her husband, Chris Kepner—Anna’s father.
The petition asserts that there has been a “significant and unanticipated change in circumstances” warranting an immediate modification of parental responsibility and time-sharing arrangements. The filing references information circulating on social media from the Kepner family indicating that Anna’s 16-year-old stepbrother was charged with homicide on February 3 by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida.
The document further alleges that newly obtained information may call into question the judgment and parenting decisions within the household.
A law enforcement source confirmed that the 16-year-old appeared in federal court in Miami on February 6.
According to the source, U.S. Marshals escorted the teen to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, where he and a public defender appeared before a magistrate judge in a closed hearing.
Following the proceeding, Shauntel Hudson and Chris Kepner released a statement expressing frustration over the court’s decision to grant the teen release.
“At this time, it is deeply painful and disturbing to our family that the person responsible is able to walk freely. This reality adds to our grief and outrage,” the statement read in part. “It is devastating to know that while we live every day with the loss of our child, the individual responsible has not yet been fully held accountable.”
The homicide charge marks a significant development in a case that has drawn attention due to the location of the alleged crime and the family relationships involved.
Federal authorities continue to handle the prosecution, and additional court proceedings are expected as the case moves forward.
The investigation remains active.