Crime
Anna Kepner Stepbrother Timothy Hudson Allegedly Obsessed With Her Before Cruise Death
New allegations have surfaced in the ongoing investigation into the death of 18-year-old Florida cheerleader Anna Kepner, who was found deceased aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship earlier this month.
In a recent interview, Anna’s former boyfriend, Joshua Tew, shared disturbing claims involving Anna’s 16-year-old stepbrother, Timothy Hudson, who has been identified in court records as a suspect in her death.
According to Tew, who spoke publicly for the first time since Anna’s passing, Hudson exhibited what he described as an inappropriate fixation on Anna.
Tew claimed that during one FaceTime conversation while he and Anna were still dating, he witnessed Hudson enter her bedroom and allegedly climb onto her while she was asleep.
Tew told interviewers that Anna appeared uncomfortable and frightened by Hudson’s behavior and had previously expressed concerns about him, including allegations that he routinely carried a knife.
Tew stated that Hudson’s behavior escalated over time and that Anna struggled to navigate the situation within the family dynamic.
Anna’s funeral was held Thursday in Orlando. However, according to multiple sources, family tensions were apparent. Because the investigation may involve Anna’s stepbrother, some extended family members were reportedly informed they were not allowed to attend.
Anna’s biological mother, Heather Wright, who lives in Oklahoma, spoke publicly during the service. Wright previously stated she learned of her daughter’s death not through authorities but via an online news search after being unable to reach family members.
Anna was traveling with her father, stepmother, and siblings, including her 14-year-old brother and Hudson, during a six-day Caribbean cruise.
On the evening of November 6, Anna reportedly left dinner early, stating she felt unwell, and returned alone to her cabin.
Her two brothers later returned to the room. According to reports, the 14-year-old brother briefly left again to take photos around the ship.
When he returned, Anna was not visible in the cabin, and he assumed she was spending time elsewhere with family. He then went to sleep, unaware of what had transpired.
Surveillance footage later confirmed Anna returned to the cabin but was never recorded leaving.
The following morning, when Anna could not be located, her family alerted ship personnel.
A short time later, a medical emergency announcement was made, and a cabin-staff member discovered Anna’s body under one of the cabin beds, wrapped in a blanket and partially covered with life vests.
The bed where she was found was adjacent to the bunk used by her brothers.
Speculation intensified after a widely circulated online post from a man identifying himself as Anna’s uncle alleged that Hudson was responsible for her death and that he had attempted to conceal her body.
While the FBI has not confirmed these allegations, recently filed court records by Anna’s stepmother, Shauntel Hudson, indicate that “a criminal case may be initiated against one of the minor children” in connection with Anna’s death.
Hudson is currently residing with relatives while investigators continue their inquiry.
The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office has not yet released Anna’s official cause or manner of death.
The FBI continues to lead the investigation due to the death occurring in international waters aboard a U.S.-operated vessel.
As the case develops, Anna’s family—and the community that knew her through school, athletics, and church—are left grieving while awaiting answers.
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.