Crime
Slain Carnival Cruise Teen Anna Kepner Brother Unknowingly Slept Feet Away From Her Body
New information has emerged in the death of 18-year-old Florida cheerleader Anna Kepner, revealing that her younger brother slept in the same cruise cabin where her body had been hidden—unaware she was already deceased only feet away from him.
According to a source familiar with the investigation, Anna was sharing a cabin aboard the Carnival Horizon with her 14-year-old brother and her 16-year-old stepbrother, Timothy Hudson, who has since been named a suspect in her death.
On the evening of November 6, Anna reportedly left dinner early after telling relatives she did not feel well and returned to her room alone. Her brothers returned later that night.
The younger sibling changed clothes and briefly left again to take photos of the ship. When he returned, Anna was not in her bed.
Believing she had gone to spend time with their parents elsewhere on the vessel, he went to sleep without concern.
Investigators later confirmed that Anna returned to the cabin on surveillance footage—and was never seen exiting again.
By the following morning, family members noticed Anna was still missing.
Her father, Christopher Kepner, 41, began searching the ship alongside staff as announcements regarding a medical emergency echoed through the public address system.
A member of the cleaning staff eventually discovered Anna’s body hidden under a cabin bed, positioned next to the bunk beds where her brothers had slept.
According to an investigative source, the teen’s body was wrapped in a blanket and partially covered with life jackets.
The disturbing discovery intensified scrutiny already growing around the case after a viral online statement by a man identifying himself as Anna’s uncle, Martin Donohue.
In his post, Donohue alleged that Anna was beaten, wrapped in bedding, hidden beneath a bed, and that her stepbrother later slept above her unaware of what had occurred.
Court filings released this week confirm that 16-year-old Timothy Hudson has been identified as a suspect in Anna’s death.
He is currently residing with one of his maternal relatives as the investigation continues.
Authorities stated that Anna was reported dead aboard the Carnival Horizon on November 8—two days after she was last seen alive.
The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office has not yet released an official cause or manner of death.
In a related legal development, Anna’s stepmother, Shauntel Hudson, requested the postponement of a scheduled custody hearing.
Court documents indicate the delay was sought because one of her minor children may face criminal charges connected to Anna’s death.
The case remains under investigation by federal authorities, including the FBI, due to the incident occurring in international waters.
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.