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.
Orlando, Fla. — Family and friends of 33-year-old Julien Emmanuel Cruz are seeking answers and accountability following his fatal shooting outside a popular LGBTQ+ nightclub early Sunday morning.
According to the Orlando Police Department, officers responded at approximately 2:31 a.m. on February 22, 2026, to the 1900 block of North Orange Avenue, just north of Lake Ivanhoe, in reference to a reported shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located Cruz suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities confirmed Cruz was born May 18, 1992.
Detectives determined that prior to the shooting, Cruz and the suspect were involved in a verbal and physical altercation on the sidewalk outside the nightclub district. Investigators say that during the dispute, the suspect retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and shot Cruz.
The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, which patrol officers later located in the 200 block of East New Hampshire Avenue, approximately two blocks from where the shooting occurred.
Police subsequently arrested 37-year-old Jean Gabriel Borja Gil De La Madr (DOB: October 29, 1988). He has been charged with Second Degree Murder with a Firearm. Authorities confirmed this case marks the third homicide in Orlando in 2026.
Cruz’s father, Anthony Cruz, said his son and his partner had been at Savoy Orlando enjoying the evening before the violence unfolded.
According to the family, as the couple exited the club after closing time, a vehicle sped past them. Cruz’s partner allegedly yelled toward the occupants of the vehicle, prompting the car to stop. A physical altercation then reportedly began between Cruz’s partner and one of the individuals from the vehicle.
“When they fought, my son saw that was happening. My son went to intervene, and when he intervened, another guy got out of the car, and he got shot,” Anthony Cruz said. “My son didn’t deserve what happened. All I have left is a shirt — a shirt with a bullet hole.”
While police have charged Borja Gil De La Madr, Cruz’s family maintains that another individual may have been directly responsible for pulling the trigger. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether additional suspects are being sought.
A small memorial has formed across from the nightclub, where members of the community have gathered to honor Cruz’s memory.
Joshua Cooper, owner of Savoy Orlando, said the tragedy has deeply impacted the LGBTQ+ community, even though the shooting occurred off the club’s property.
“I didn’t know the victim, but from everything I’ve been told, I wish I had,” Cooper said. “He seemed like a great kid. Seeing a family that is so heartbroken and so supportive of this community says so much.”
The Orlando Police Department has not released additional information regarding potential additional suspects. Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation and shooting.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Orlando Police Department or Crimeline.
The investigation remains active.