Crime
Victim killed in shooting at Wegmans Warehouse identified as Jmere Smith
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Authorities have identified the victim fatally shot at the Wegmans Warehouse in Gates as 20-something-year-old Jmere Smith.
The deadly shooting occurred late Saturday afternoon and is currently under active investigation.
According to Gates Police Chief Robert Long, officers responded to the Wegmans Distribution Center located at 1500 Brooks Avenue around 4:15 p.m. following reports of gunfire.
Upon arrival, law enforcement found the victim, later identified as Jmere Smith, suffering from three gunshot wounds to the chest at close range.
He was pronounced dead at the scene by responding medical personnel.
The suspect fled the area before police arrived. Authorities have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the surrounding area or nearby businesses.
The incident prompted a coordinated response involving the Gates Police Department, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, and Greece Police Department.
Chief Long noted that, at this time, the motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and no arrests have been made.
Investigators do not believe the shooting is related to a separate incident that took place Friday outside an Amazon Distribution Center, also located in Gates.
The suspect’s identity has not been released, and authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information that may assist the investigation.
Individuals with relevant details are asked to contact 911 or reach out anonymously to Crime Stoppers.
The Gates Police Department continues to lead the investigation and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
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.