Crime
Anna Kepner Stepbrother Timothy Hudson Allegedly Obsessed With Her Before Cruise Death
New allegations have surfaced in the ongoing investigation into the death of 18-year-old Florida cheerleader Anna Kepner, who was found deceased aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship earlier this month.
In a recent interview, Anna’s former boyfriend, Joshua Tew, shared disturbing claims involving Anna’s 16-year-old stepbrother, Timothy Hudson, who has been identified in court records as a suspect in her death.
According to Tew, who spoke publicly for the first time since Anna’s passing, Hudson exhibited what he described as an inappropriate fixation on Anna.
Tew claimed that during one FaceTime conversation while he and Anna were still dating, he witnessed Hudson enter her bedroom and allegedly climb onto her while she was asleep.
Tew told interviewers that Anna appeared uncomfortable and frightened by Hudson’s behavior and had previously expressed concerns about him, including allegations that he routinely carried a knife.
Tew stated that Hudson’s behavior escalated over time and that Anna struggled to navigate the situation within the family dynamic.
Anna’s funeral was held Thursday in Orlando. However, according to multiple sources, family tensions were apparent. Because the investigation may involve Anna’s stepbrother, some extended family members were reportedly informed they were not allowed to attend.
Anna’s biological mother, Heather Wright, who lives in Oklahoma, spoke publicly during the service. Wright previously stated she learned of her daughter’s death not through authorities but via an online news search after being unable to reach family members.
Anna was traveling with her father, stepmother, and siblings, including her 14-year-old brother and Hudson, during a six-day Caribbean cruise.
On the evening of November 6, Anna reportedly left dinner early, stating she felt unwell, and returned alone to her cabin.
Her two brothers later returned to the room. According to reports, the 14-year-old brother briefly left again to take photos around the ship.
When he returned, Anna was not visible in the cabin, and he assumed she was spending time elsewhere with family. He then went to sleep, unaware of what had transpired.
Surveillance footage later confirmed Anna returned to the cabin but was never recorded leaving.
The following morning, when Anna could not be located, her family alerted ship personnel.
A short time later, a medical emergency announcement was made, and a cabin-staff member discovered Anna’s body under one of the cabin beds, wrapped in a blanket and partially covered with life vests.
The bed where she was found was adjacent to the bunk used by her brothers.
Speculation intensified after a widely circulated online post from a man identifying himself as Anna’s uncle alleged that Hudson was responsible for her death and that he had attempted to conceal her body.
While the FBI has not confirmed these allegations, recently filed court records by Anna’s stepmother, Shauntel Hudson, indicate that “a criminal case may be initiated against one of the minor children” in connection with Anna’s death.
Hudson is currently residing with relatives while investigators continue their inquiry.
The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office has not yet released Anna’s official cause or manner of death.
The FBI continues to lead the investigation due to the death occurring in international waters aboard a U.S.-operated vessel.
As the case develops, Anna’s family—and the community that knew her through school, athletics, and church—are left grieving while awaiting answers.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.