Crime
Anna Kepner Uncle Martin Donohue Alleges Stepbrother Responsible for Her Death
The investigation into the death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, who was found deceased aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship, has taken a new turn as unverified claims surfaced on social media alleging potential involvement by a family member.
Stepbrother Timothy Hudson Facing Murder Charges in Death of Anna Kepner
A man identifying himself as Martin Donohue, who claims to be the victim’s uncle, posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), alleging that Kepner was traveling with her father, stepmother, stepbrother, and additional relatives.
In the post, he accuses the victim’s stepbrother of murdering her, asserting that she was beaten, killed, and hidden under a bed wrapped in a sheet and partially covered with life jackets.
He further alleges the stepbrother then slept in the bed as though nothing had happened.
Donohue expressed outrage in his post, claiming he is “sickened” by the alleged silence of Kepner’s father regarding her death.
At this time, none of the allegations made on social media have been substantiated by law enforcement or confirmed by official sources.
Given the seriousness of the claims, legal experts note that if no arrest has been made and the allegations are false, such statements could be considered highly defamatory.
This development appears to align with earlier information circulating about the case. The message shown was posted by Anna Kepner’s biological mother, Tabitha Kepner, and originates from her TikTok account.
The post expresses deep grief and frustration, with Tabitha stating she only learned of her daughter’s death days after it occurred. In her message, she shares heartbreak over not being contacted by Anna’s father or stepmother and expresses sorrow, love, and regret for not being present.
The emotional nature of the post highlights the pain the family is experiencing and adds another layer to the ongoing situation surrounding Anna’s death.
At this time, the message remains a personal statement from a grieving parent and has not been referenced or confirmed by investigators.
Investigators have not confirmed whether anyone related to the family is a suspect, nor have they identified any person of interest publicly.
The incident occurred aboard the Carnival Horizon, which returned to PortMiami on Saturday morning following a Caribbean itinerary with nearly 4,000 passengers aboard.
FBI agents boarded the vessel upon arrival, and a body—confirmed to be Kepner—was transferred to the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy.
At this stage, the FBI has not released a cause of death, and authorities have not stated whether the death is being investigated as a homicide.
However, multiple unofficial reports circulating online claim that Kepner may have been found with injuries and wrapped in bedding.
These reports remain unconfirmed, and federal investigators have not addressed them publicly.
The FBI investigation remains active. No arrests have been announced, and authorities have not provided additional updates regarding suspects, evidence, or next steps in the case.
Officials emphasize that until the autopsy is complete and investigative findings are verified, speculation should be avoided.
Anyone with information relevant to the investigation is encouraged to contact the FBI Miami Field Office or submit a tip through the FBI Public Access Tip Line.
Further updates will be released when verified information becomes available.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.