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.
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.