Crime
Who is Timothy Hudson? Stepbrother Named as Suspect in Death of Anna Kepner on Carnival Horizon cruise
New developments continue to emerge in the death investigation of 18-year-old Florida cheerleader Anna Grace Kepner, who was found deceased aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship earlier this month.
Federal authorities have not announced any arrests; however, court documents and statements from individuals close to the case confirm that Anna’s 16-year-old stepbrother, Timothy Hudson, has been identified as a suspect.
Multiple reports indicate that Anna’s preliminary cause of death was asphyxiation caused by a “bar hold,” meaning pressure was applied to her neck using an arm. According to sources familiar with the investigation:
- There were no signs of sexual assault.
- Toxicology results did not detect drugs or alcohol.
The Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner’s Office has not yet released a final autopsy or official manner of death.
The FBI, which has jurisdiction due to the death occurring at sea aboard a U.S.-flagged vessel, has declined public comment.
Anna was found deceased on November 8, 2025, after the vessel docked in Miami. A cabin steward located her body wrapped in a blanket and partially concealed under a bed, with life vests placed on top.
Anna was reportedly sharing a cabin with:
- Her 14-year-old biological brother
- Her 16-year-old stepbrother, Timothy Hudson
Surveillance footage reportedly confirms Anna returned to the cabin shortly after dinner on the evening of November 6, when she told family members she felt unwell. She was never seen exiting the room again.
Statements made publicly and through court filings paint a troubling picture of the relationship between Anna and her stepbrother.
- Joshua Tew, Anna’s former boyfriend, claims Hudson was “obsessed” with Anna and made repeated attempts to pursue her romantically despite their family ties.
- Tew says he once witnessed Hudson climb on top of Anna while she was asleep during a FaceTime call.
- Other family and friend statements allege Hudson carried a knife regularly, making Anna uncomfortable and fearful.
A source close to the investigation stated that Anna’s younger brother reportedly heard:
“Yelling and a commotion”
coming from the cabin while Anna was locked inside alone with Hudson. The brother reportedly assumed the situation was not serious and later went to sleep believing Anna had left the room voluntarily.
Court testimony revealed that Hudson was transported to a hospital immediately after the ship returned to port.
Authorities have not clarified why. Court filings later confirmed:
“A criminal case may be initiated against one of the minor children.”
Hudson is now residing with a relative while the investigation continues.
Anna’s funeral was held in Titusville this week. Due to the sensitive nature of the investigation, some family members were reportedly informed they were not permitted to attend.
Her biological mother, Heather Wright, traveled from Oklahoma and has publicly stated she learned of her daughter’s death through an online search, not through family notification or authorities.
Retired FBI Special Agent Jennifer Coffindaffer told local media:
“The FBI will leave no stone unturned. The suspect, the shared living space, the location of the body — all of it creates a clear opportunity for this crime.”
She also noted investigators would likely have compelled medical testing from Hudson upon docking, including toxicology.
Anna, affectionately known as “Anna Banana,” was described as joyful, outgoing, and deeply loved.
She attended Temple Christian School in Titusville, Florida, where she was active in cheerleading and athletics. She hoped to one day cheer for the Georgia Bulldogs.
Her obituary stated:
“She filled the world with laughter, love, and light.”
The FBI is reviewing thousands of hours of cruise surveillance video, according to a law enforcement source.
No arrests have been made, and officials continue to emphasize the investigation is active and ongoing.
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.