Crime
Suspect and victim killed in East University Avenue shooting identified
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Gainesville Police Department Chief Nelson Moya has identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a lumber store employee and wounding two officers during a confrontation Wednesday morning.
During a Gainesville City Commission meeting on Thursday, Chief Moya confirmed the shooter as Justin Dewayne Long, 31, of the 300 block of County Road 234.
According to police, the incident began shortly before 8:00 a.m. at Imeca Lumber & Hardware, located at 1201 East University Avenue.
Investigators said Long parked his vehicle at a nearby KFC before entering the business, where he allegedly opened fire.
Eduardo Pardo Rodriguez, 23, an employee of the store, was struck and later pronounced dead.
Chief Moya told commissioners that authorities have found no apparent connection between the suspect and the business or the victim.
“Sadly, we are learning that there is very little to no connection to the business,” Moya said. “In fact, we are quickly learning that there is the appearance of an onset of a mental health issue here, and that the victim, who was tragically selected, appears to have been chosen at random.”
Gainesville police officers responding to reports of gunfire observed Long attempting to flee the area in a vehicle.
As officers moved to stop him, officials say Long exited the car and began firing at police.
Two additional officers arrived to assist, and a gunfight ensued.
Long was struck during the exchange and transported to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Two Gainesville police officers were wounded in the confrontation and were taken to UF Health Shands Hospital for treatment and evaluation.
Both officers were released later Wednesday afternoon.
Chief Moya reiterated that the investigation remains ongoing and emphasized the department’s commitment to determining the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the suspect’s actions prior to the incident.
“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family, the employees affected by this tragedy, and the officers who put themselves in harm’s way,” Moya said.
Crime
Anna Kepner Stepbrother Timothy Hudson Charged With Murder Months After Her Death Aboard Cruise Ship
Brevard County, Fla. — New court filings reveal that Timothy Hudson, the 16-year-old stepbrother of 18-year-old Anna Kepner has been charged with homicide in connection with her death, months after she was found deceased aboard a cruise ship during a family vacation.
Anna, a resident of Titusville, was discovered dead in her stateroom on November 7, 2025, while traveling with family aboard the Carnival Horizon.
According to court documents, her body was found under a bed in the cabin.
Filings state that she died from asphyxiation resulting from what was described as a “bar hold.”
Because Anna’s death occurred while the ship was in open water returning to Miami following a weeklong Caribbean cruise, the case is being prosecuted in federal court.
On February 20, Thomas Hudson filed an emergency petition in Brevard County seeking sole custody of his 9-year-old daughter, whom he shares with his ex-wife, Shauntel Hudson.
The child currently resides primarily with Shauntel and her husband, Chris Kepner—Anna’s father.
The petition asserts that there has been a “significant and unanticipated change in circumstances” warranting an immediate modification of parental responsibility and time-sharing arrangements. The filing references information circulating on social media from the Kepner family indicating that Anna’s 16-year-old stepbrother was charged with homicide on February 3 by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida.
The document further alleges that newly obtained information may call into question the judgment and parenting decisions within the household.
A law enforcement source confirmed that the 16-year-old appeared in federal court in Miami on February 6.
According to the source, U.S. Marshals escorted the teen to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, where he and a public defender appeared before a magistrate judge in a closed hearing.
Following the proceeding, Shauntel Hudson and Chris Kepner released a statement expressing frustration over the court’s decision to grant the teen release.
“At this time, it is deeply painful and disturbing to our family that the person responsible is able to walk freely. This reality adds to our grief and outrage,” the statement read in part. “It is devastating to know that while we live every day with the loss of our child, the individual responsible has not yet been fully held accountable.”
The homicide charge marks a significant development in a case that has drawn attention due to the location of the alleged crime and the family relationships involved.
Federal authorities continue to handle the prosecution, and additional court proceedings are expected as the case moves forward.
The investigation remains active.