Crime
Anna Kepner Died by Asphyxiation From Choke Hold By Stepbrother Timothy Hudson on Carnival Cruise
Investigators have released new findings in the death of 18-year-old Florida cheerleader Anna Kepner, who was found deceased aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship earlier this month.
According to a source close to the case, preliminary findings indicate that Anna died from asphyxiation consistent with a “bar hold” choke, involving force applied to the neck by another person’s arm.
The source stated that FBI investigators identified two distinct bruises on the side of Anna’s neck, aligning with the reported mechanism of injury.
Early toxicology and forensic results showed no evidence of drugs, alcohol, or sexual assault, though the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner’s Office has not yet issued a final cause or manner of death.
Kepner was found on November 8 by a cabin steward, reportedly wrapped in a blanket and concealed under a bed, partially covered by life vests.
She had been traveling on a six-day Caribbean cruise with her father, Christopher Kepner, her stepmother Shauntel Hudson, and members of her blended family.
Investigators confirmed that Anna was last seen alive returning to her cabin alone after telling family members she felt unwell. Surveillance later showed she never exited the room again.
New allegations have surfaced regarding the behavior of Anna’s 16-year-old stepbrother, Timothy Hudson, who has been identified in recently filed court documents as a suspected party in the investigation.
In an interview, Anna’s former boyfriend, Joshua Tew, claimed Hudson exhibited behavior he believed was “obsessive and inappropriate.” Tew stated that during a FaceTime call months earlier, he witnessed Hudson enter Anna’s room and allegedly climb on top of her while she slept.
According to Tew, Anna had previously confided that Hudson made her uncomfortable and that she believed he carried a knife regularly.
These statements remain unverified by law enforcement.
In a separate legal filing unrelated to the FBI investigation, Anna’s stepmother wrote that a “criminal case may be initiated against one of the minor children” in connection with Anna’s death.
Anna’s funeral was held in Orlando last week.
Multiple attendees reported significant visible tension among family members, and some relatives were reportedly informed they could not attend due to the ongoing criminal investigation.
Anna’s biological mother, Heather Wright, addressed mourners during the service. Wright previously stated she learned of her daughter’s death through an online news search after being unable to reach family members — not through official notification.
Based on statements and reports, the known sequence of events is as follows:
- November 6: Anna left dinner early, saying she felt sick, and returned alone to the cabin.
- Her two brothers entered the cabin later. One left briefly to take photos and returned, assuming Anna was elsewhere.
- Surveillance confirms Anna returned to the cabin, but no footage shows her leaving.
- November 7 (morning): Anna was reported missing after she could not be located.
- A short time later, crew members discovered her body during a welfare check.
Her remains were found near the bunk assigned to her brothers.
The FBI is leading the investigation, as the incident occurred in international waters aboard a U.S.-flagged vessel. No arrests have been made, and officials have not named a suspect publicly.
This marks one of the most closely watched cruise-related death investigations in recent years, drawing national attention as forensic findings and family allegations continue to unfold.
As the medical examiner finalizes their report and the FBI continues interviews and forensic analysis, the case remains open and active. Friends, classmates, and community members who knew Anna through cheerleading, school activities, and church are mourning her loss while waiting for clarity in the circumstances surrounding her death.
Authorities are expected to release additional information in the coming weeks.
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA — A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple University’s Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
“The loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones.”
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victim’s last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individual’s involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.