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
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA — A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple University’s Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
“The loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones.”
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victim’s last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individual’s involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.