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
Attorneys Argue Jacob Bard Actions in Deadly Kentucky State University Shooting Were Legally Justified
Attorneys representing Jacob Bard, the man accused in a deadly shooting at Kentucky State University, contend that his actions were legally justified and undertaken in defense of his family amid what they describe as a violent and uncontrolled situation on campus.
In a press release issued Monday afternoon, Bard’s legal team from the Indiana-based law firm Danks & Danks asserted that Bard “was completely justified under the law in his use of deadly force.”
Bard is accused of fatally shooting one Kentucky State University student and wounding another during an incident at a campus dormitory.
According to the attorneys’ statement, Bard traveled to Kentucky State University after his younger son reported being attacked on multiple occasions.
The release alleges that on Monday, December 8, a group of approximately 20 to 30 individuals gathered outside the son’s dormitory, some allegedly armed, and began beating on the door. Campus police were reportedly called to respond to the disturbance.
The following morning, Bard and his wife met with Kentucky State University police. While the attorneys stated that officers appeared sincere in their efforts, they claimed it was evident to the family that campus police were “ill-prepared to deal with the out-of-control and violent environment.”
The legal team further alleges that both the university and its police department failed to adequately address what they described as multiple armed and violent felonies against Bard’s sons, ages 18 and 19, as well as other students in the days preceding the shooting.
Those alleged incidents included burglaries and armed assaults.
Later that morning, the family attended a meeting at Young Hall with campus police and a university dean.
According to the release, the meeting left the family convinced that the university would not be able to maintain a safe environment, prompting them to begin removing the son’s belongings from the dormitory.
When the family returned to the residence hall, the attorneys claim that individuals previously involved in the alleged assaults were present, despite assurances they would not be allowed inside.
The statement further alleges that those individuals photographed the family and made verbal threats.
The attorneys contend that, even with two armed Kentucky State University police officers present, a group of 20 to 30 individuals gathered in the dormitory lobby and “violently and viciously attacked” Bard’s son and family members.
According to the release, Bard’s son was slammed into the concrete floor and beaten by multiple people, and the officer on scene allegedly lost control of the situation.
“In the chaos,” the attorneys wrote, Bard attempted to pull attackers off his son but was struck himself. Believing his son to be in imminent danger of death or serious physical injury, Bard then drew his firearm and shot two individuals whom the attorneys say were actively assaulting his son.
The legal team also stated that no charges have been filed against others allegedly involved in the confrontation and claimed the Bard family has continued to receive death threats.
The release further alleges that the mother of the deceased student has publicly called for retaliation against Bard’s son and sought assistance from criminal groups—claims that have not been independently verified by authorities.
The case against Bard was presented to a grand jury on December 16.
During a previous court hearing, a detective testified that at least one video reviewed by investigators did not show the shooting victims assaulting Bard’s son.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not issued a final determination regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting.