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.
TAUNTON, Mass. — One person was killed and seven others were injured in an overnight shooting at a house party in Taunton, Massachusetts, authorities said.
The shooting happened at approximately 12:35 a.m. Sunday at a residence in the 261 Weir Street area. Taunton police officers responded after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots.
When officers arrived, they found several people suffering from gunshot wounds. Investigators were also informed that additional victims had already been transported to area hospitals for medical treatment.
Authorities ultimately identified eight shooting victims, all of whom were reportedly in their early 20s.
One of the victims, 22-year-old Zirovick Depina of Brockton, was pronounced dead early Sunday morning, according to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
Of the seven surviving victims, one remains in serious but stable condition, while the others suffered injuries that were considered non-life-threatening. Their identities have not been publicly released.
The shooting occurred during a gathering at the residence. Images from the scene showed a tent and tables in the yard, along with white balloons and what appeared to be a photo backdrop near a garage.
A neighbor told authorities that large gatherings and loud parties had reportedly been common at the residence.
The home is located about a mile from the Taunton Police Department headquarters. The neighbor expressed concern about the shooting occurring in the area, particularly given the late-night activity.
The investigation is being conducted by Taunton Police, Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, and other investigative units. Detectives are working to determine what led to the gunfire and identify those responsible.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Taunton police or investigators with the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional information is expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.