Crime
Stepbrother Timothy Hudson Facing Murder Charges in Death of Anna Kepner
Newly filed court records and statements from family members are shedding light on the ongoing federal investigation into the death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, who was found deceased aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship earlier this month.
According to those documents, one of Anna’s step-siblings — identified by family members as 16-year-old Timothy “Tim” Hudson — may soon face criminal charges relating to her death.
The case escalated after a widely circulated post made by a man identifying himself as Anna’s uncle, Martin Donohue.
In his statement, Donohue alleges that Anna’s stepbrother was directly responsible for her death. He claims Anna was beaten, wrapped in a sheet, placed under a bed, partially covered with life jackets, and that the stepbrother slept in the bed above her afterward.
He further accused Anna’s stepmother and father of remaining silent despite allegedly knowing what happened.
At this time, none of the allegations made publicly by family members have been confirmed by law enforcement. No official suspect has been named.
A sworn legal filing submitted by attorneys for Anna’s stepmother, Shauntel Hudson, confirms that the Federal Bureau of Investigation is conducting a criminal probe into the teen’s death.
The motion states the investigation is:
“Being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigations arising out of the sudden death of eighteen-year-old Anna Kepner.”
Hudson is requesting exemption from testifying in an ongoing family court matter, arguing that doing so could be self-incriminating and potentially harmful to her or her minor child due to the active federal inquiry.
According to the filing:
“A criminal case may be initiated against one of the minor children of this instant action.”
Multiple sources—including the Space Coast Rocket and national media outlets—have confirmed that investigators are evaluating whether potential charges could be filed against one of Anna’s step-siblings.
According to family accounts reviewed alongside the filing, Anna, her father, stepmother, stepbrother Tim, and biological brother Connor shared a cruise cabin.
Key details from family statements include:
- November 6: During a family dinner, Anna began feeling ill and returned to the cabin.
- After dinner, Tim and Connor returned to the room to change into swimwear.
- Connor allegedly left first, leaving Tim alone with Anna.
- The following morning, at approximately 11:00 AM, a cabin attendant discovered Anna’s body concealed under the bed.
These events have not yet been confirmed by investigators; however, they appear consistent with family claims reviewed across multiple sources.
When the Horizon returned to PortMiami, FBI agents boarded the vessel and seized evidence. Anna’s remains were transported to the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office. No cause or manner of death has been released.
Authorities have not confirmed whether:
- Anna’s death is being treated as a homicide,
- A suspect has been identified,
- Or physical evidence supports the allegations being circulated online.
Despite the growing public attention, federal officials have not disclosed investigative findings, citing the ongoing nature of the case.
Anna’s father, Christopher Kepner, previously stated that the FBI interviewed every family member onboard — including both minor children and step-siblings. He said the family has received no investigative updates, explaining:
“The FBI has not shared anything with me yet. I know as little as everybody else. We are just trying to sit still and wait for answers.”
Anna’s biological mother, Tabitha Kepner, also posted a public message expressing profound heartbreak. She claims she was not immediately informed of her daughter’s death and has demanded answers.
Anna’s grandmother also made a public statement, asserting:
“She was murdered. That is why the FBI was there.”
Again — these statements remain unverified by authorities.
Important unresolved points include:
- Why federal agents allowed family members to disembark without restrictions,
- Whether forensic evidence supports the allegations,
- Why one stepbrother — reportedly Tim — has not been seen at the family residence since returning from the cruise.
Another stepsibling, Andrew, was confirmed not to have been on the cruise at the time.
What Happens Next
With:
- A sworn filing indicating a minor family member may face charges,
- Verified confirmation of an active federal criminal investigation,
- Public accusations by multiple relatives,
- And the medical examiner’s findings still pending,
the case surrounding the death of Anna Kepner is rapidly developing.
As of now, no arrests have been made, and no individual has been officially identified as a suspect or person of interest by law enforcement.
Federal authorities have not released further details.
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.