Crime
44-year-old Rahman Loyal killed after shooting near West Side Park in Newark
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office has initiated a thorough investigation into a fatal shooting that claimed the life of a Newark resident on Saturday evening, near West Side Park.
Authorities report that around 7:00 p.m., residents in the 600 block of South 13th Street called 911 after hearing a series of gunshots near their homes, located across from the park.
Newark police officers responded promptly to the scene, where they discovered 44-year-old Rahman Loyal, a Newark resident, lying lifeless with multiple gunshot wounds.
Preliminary findings suggest that the shooter fired several rounds before quickly fleeing the scene.
The immediate area was cordoned off as detectives conducted a meticulous search for evidence, carefully examining the scene and speaking with any witnesses who may have observed the incident or have relevant information.
At this stage, the motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and no arrests have been made.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is actively pursuing leads and working to identify the person responsible.
Authorities are urging anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to come forward.
The Prosecutor’s Office emphasizes that all information will be handled with discretion as they work to bring justice in this ongoing case.
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.