Who Is Timothy Hudson? Stepbrother Named as Suspect in Death of 18-Year-Old Anna Kepner Aboard Carnival Horizon
New details continue to unfold in the deeply disturbing case surrounding the death of 18-year-old Florida cheerleader, Anna Grace Kepner, whose body was discovered onboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship earlier this month. Although no formal arrests have been announced, newly released court documents and statements from individuals close to the family point to one person as the primary suspect: Anna’s 16-year-old stepbrother, Timothy Hudson.
Anna’s death, which occurred under federal jurisdiction because it took place at sea aboard a U.S.-flagged vessel, has prompted an intensive investigation by the FBI, the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner’s Office, and federal prosecutors. While officials have remained publicly silent, those familiar with the case have described a troubling and heartbreaking sequence of events that led to the teenager’s death.
Preliminary Findings: Asphyxiation by “Bar Hold”
According to multiple reports citing early investigative conclusions, Anna’s preliminary cause of death was asphyxiation caused by a “bar hold”—a maneuver in which pressure is applied to the neck using an arm, often associated with chokeholds.
Important early findings include:
- No evidence of sexual assault
- No drugs or alcohol found in Anna’s system according to toxicology
- The final autopsy and official manner of death have not yet been released
This initial medical assessment, paired with witness statements and cabin surveillance information, has intensified scrutiny on the teen’s stepbrother.
How Anna Was Found
Anna was discovered on November 8, 2025, when the ship docked in Miami. A cabin steward, entering the room while preparing guest turnover, found Anna’s body:
- Wrapped in a blanket
- Partially concealed under a bed
- Several life vests placed on top
The disturbing condition in which she was found immediately raised flags for investigators, prompting emergency involvement from federal authorities.
Cabin Dynamics and Timeline
Anna had been sharing a cabin with her two younger male relatives:
- Her 14-year-old biological brother
- Her 16-year-old stepbrother, Timothy Hudson
Surveillance footage reportedly confirms that Anna returned to the shared cabin on the night of November 6, telling her family she felt unwell. She never exited again.
Sources indicate that Anna’s 14-year-old brother later overheard:
“Yelling and a commotion” coming from inside the cabin while Anna was locked in the room with Hudson.
Believing the noise was nothing serious—and later assuming Anna left voluntarily—the younger sibling went to sleep. It would be two days before Anna’s body was discovered by crew members.
Troubling Relationship Between Anna and Hudson
Court filings and public statements from individuals close to the family paint a dark and unsettling picture of Timothy Hudson’s behavior toward Anna.
Former boyfriend provides chilling details
Anna’s former boyfriend, Joshua Tew, told investigators and the media that:
- Hudson appeared “obsessed” with Anna
- He repeatedly pursued her romantically, despite their step-sibling relationship
- On one occasion, Tew witnessed Hudson climb on top of Anna while she slept during a FaceTime call
- Anna had expressed discomfort and fear due to Hudson’s behavior
Family and friends recount red flags
Additional statements allege Hudson:
- Carried a knife regularly
- Displayed concerning behavior around Anna
- Made her feel unsafe when alone with him
These allegations, when coupled with the circumstances of her death, further solidify Hudson as the focal point of the investigation.
Post-Docking Events and Criminal Proceedings
After the ship reached Miami, Hudson was immediately transported to a hospital. Federal authorities have not disclosed the reason for this hospitalization, but court documents later confirmed:
“A criminal case may be initiated against one of the minor children.”
The wording, combined with investigative details, leaves little ambiguity about which minor is implicated.
Despite public interest and increasing pressure for clarity, the FBI has declined to comment, citing the open investigation.
Community Shock and Ongoing Questions
The death of Anna Kepner—a talented cheerleader, beloved daughter, and friend—has devastated her Florida community. The bizarre and horrifying circumstances surrounding her final moments have sparked widespread grief, disbelief, and outrage.
Key questions remain unanswered:
- Why was Hudson transported to a hospital?
- What was the exact timeline within the cabin between November 6 and 8?
- Will Hudson face charges as a juvenile or adult?
- When will the Medical Examiner release the final autopsy?
As investigators continue piecing together the final hours of Anna’s life, her family awaits justice, while the nation watches one of the most unsettling cruise-ship homicide cases in recent memory unfold.
