Crime
Curtis James Named Suspect in Deadly Shooting at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula
PASCAGOULA, Miss. — Authorities have identified the suspect in Friday morning’s deadly shooting at Ingalls Shipbuilding as Curtis James of Mobile.
The Pascagoula Police Department confirmed that officers were dispatched to the shipyard at approximately 7:32 a.m. on August 22, 2025, after receiving reports of an active shooter on site.
When officers arrived, they discovered one victim, described as a painter employed at the facility, who had sustained fatal gunshot wounds.
A spokesperson for Ingalls Shipbuilding confirmed the active shooter situation, stating: “We are urging all personnel to shelter in place and to await further instructions. Law enforcement was promptly notified and is currently at the shipyard and responding to the situation.”
By mid-morning, police announced that James had been taken into custody without further incident.
Multiple law enforcement agencies assisted in securing the shipyard, which remained on lockdown for several hours while first responders worked to ensure safety.
Investigators have since linked the shipyard shooting to a domestic-related incident.
According to police, James’ wife was found deceased at a residence earlier Friday morning, with evidence indicating she had been killed the previous night.
Authorities believe James then targeted the man fatally shot at Ingalls, who was allegedly involved in a relationship with his wife.
The identities of the deceased victims are being withheld pending notification of their families.
Police emphasized that this was an isolated act of violence and that there is no ongoing threat to the wider community.
HII, the parent company of Ingalls Shipbuilding, released a statement expressing condolences and reaffirming its commitment to employee safety: “We are doing everything possible to ensure the safety of our employees and are fully cooperating with law enforcement as this investigation continues.”
Ingalls Shipbuilding, located in Pascagoula, is the largest manufacturing employer in Mississippi and the primary builder of U.S. Navy surface combatants and Coast Guard vessels.
The investigation into both the homicide and the shipyard shooting remains ongoing.
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.