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
Greenville County Murder-Suicide: Chloe Jade Brown and Dreak Wright Dead After Elmwood Avenue Shooting
GREENVILLE, South Carolina — A fatal shooting at a home on Elmwood Avenue in Greenville County claimed the lives of a man and a woman on Tuesday evening, October 13, 2026.
The victims have been identified in information shared with the public as Chloe Jade Brown, a young mother, and Dreak Wright. The incident has been described as a suspected murder-suicide.
The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were called to Elmwood Avenue before 9 p.m. after receiving a report of a shooting.
Upon arrival, they found a man and a woman who had both sustained fatal gunshot wounds.
According to the supplied account, Wright allegedly shot Brown before taking his own life. The identities and sequence of events should be treated as reported information until confirmed by authorities.
Chloe Jade Brown has been remembered by friends and loved ones as a caring mother and a bright presence in their lives.
Following news of the deadly incident, tributes expressed grief over her death and concern for the children she leaves behind. Those mourning her have offered prayers for her children, family and everyone affected by the tragedy.
The loss of a mother has prompted particular concern for the children’s well-being and the emotional support they may need as they cope with their loss.
Some people sharing tributes to Brown alleged that she had experienced domestic violence. However, the information available does not independently confirm those claims or establish whether domestic violence played a role in the shooting.
Authorities have not provided further details in the supplied report about the circumstances leading up to the incident, the relationship between the victims or any previous reports of domestic disputes.
These details should be verified before being presented as established facts.
Deputies with the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Elmwood Avenue residence before 9 p.m. Tuesday. They found both victims dead from gunshot wounds, according to the agency’s initial account.
The incident has been described as a murder-suicide in the supplied information, but additional official confirmation is needed regarding the sequence of events and the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The tragedy has left friends and loved ones mourning both individuals, while tributes to Brown have highlighted the impact her death will have on her children.