Crime
Anna Kepner Stepbrother Timothy Hudson Named as Suspect in Her Death Amid Allegations of Abuse by His Father
New information has emerged regarding the death of 18-year-old Florida cheerleader Anna Kepner, as recently filed court documents reveal significant turmoil within her family and identify her 16-year-old stepbrother, Timothy Hudson, as a suspect in her death.
According to filings submitted in Brevard County family court, Anna’s stepmother, Shauntel Hudson (Kepner), detailed allegations of prior domestic violence involving her ex-husband, Thomas Hudson, and their children — including the minor son now under federal investigation.
In an emergency motion filed earlier this week, Shauntel alleges that Thomas Hudson physically and emotionally abused their two youngest children.
One of those children, identified in court records as T.H. (Timothy Hudson), is the same individual being questioned by the FBI in connection to Anna’s death aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship.
Legal filings state that Timothy has now been placed in the care of one of Shauntel’s relatives following conversations between attorneys and federal agents.
The custody placement reportedly occurred under an agreed stipulation filed on November 17, citing safety concerns amid the ongoing criminal investigation.
Court filings confirm that Shauntel, her two minor children, her new husband Jeffrey Kepner, and Anna boarded a Carnival Caribbean cruise earlier this month.
During the voyage, Anna was reportedly found deceased in a cabin — wrapped in a blanket and partially covered with life jackets.
The discovery occurred early into the six-day itinerary, prompting the vessel to return to port.
Federal agents boarded the ship upon its return, and Anna’s body was transferred to the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office. No cause or manner of death has been released, and no charges have been filed to date.
In a newly filed response dated November 18, Shauntel disputes claims made in an earlier emergency petition by her ex-husband alleging violence within her household.
She states that his assertions were previously reviewed and rejected by the court and emphasizes that the alleged incident involved efforts to prevent their older child — now an adult — from jumping out of a moving vehicle during a family dispute.
Her filing also alleges:
- Thomas Hudson has inconsistent involvement in custody arrangements
- There is an open DCF investigation into him concerning physical and domestic abuse
- Both minor children have expressed fear of visiting him
The most notable section of the filing confirms, for the first time in writing, that:
“There is an open investigation regarding the death of the biological daughter of the Step-Father, and T.H. is a suspect regarding this death which occurred recently on a cruise ship.”
Shauntel further notes that there is no allegation of abuse, neglect, or abandonment on her part, and states the family is experiencing profound grief as funeral services for Anna take place this week.
Shauntel is asking the court to postpone previously scheduled custody proceedings until after the criminal investigation concludes, arguing that forcing testimony during an active federal case could be prejudicial.
She contends there is no current emergency requiring immediate judicial action and requests that all matters proceed through standard scheduling rather than expedited emergency hearings.
Ongoing Investigation
As of now:
- No arrest has been made
- No suspect has been publicly named by investigators
- No official cause of death has been disclosed
The FBI continues to lead the investigation, and the court filings indicate that federal authorities remain focused on the minor stepbrother.
The case has drawn national attention and continues to evolve as new legal filings and statements from family members surface.
Further updates will be provided as more verified information becomes available.
Crime
Rene Miguel Zambrana Charged With First-Degree Murder and Felony Firearm in Death of Salvation Army Bell Ringer Alvin Echols
A Detroit man has been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of a Salvation Army bell ringer outside a Kroger grocery store in Westland, Michigan, authorities announced.
The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that Rene Miguel Zambrana, 37, is charged with first-degree murder and felony firearm in the death of Alvin Leon Echols, 47.
The shooting occurred Thursday evening outside the Kroger located on Ford Road near Central City Parkway.
According to police and prosecutors, the incident happened at approximately 6:20 p.m. on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
Echols was stationed near a Salvation Army donation kettle outside the store when he was shot.
After being struck, Echols ran into the grocery store, where he collapsed near the self-checkout area.
Responding officers located Echols suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. Despite emergency medical efforts, he later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that Zambrana and Echols were known to one another, though authorities have not publicly disclosed the nature of their relationship or what specifically led to the confrontation.
Prosecutors emphasized that the shooting does not appear to have been a random act of violence.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy described the case as a tragic situation, stating that available evidence suggests the incident may have stemmed from a “complicated interpersonal relationship dispute.”
Following the shooting, Zambrana allegedly fled the scene on foot. He was located and arrested by law enforcement early Friday morning without incident.
Zambrana is scheduled to be arraigned Monday afternoon, December 22, 2025, where formal charges will be read and bond conditions determined.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to review evidence and witness statements.