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.
CHEROKEE COUNTY, Kan. — A 23-year-old man from Riverton has died following a shooting at a rural property in Cherokee County, Kansas, and his 19-year-old brother has been booked into jail on a second-degree murder allegation, according to information released by authorities.
The victim was identified as Gannon Reece, 23, of Riverton, Kansas. The suspect was identified as Joshua Wilson, 19, also of Riverton, who is the victim’s brother.
According to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Wilson was booked into the Cherokee County Jail on suspicion of second-degree murder. Formal charges are expected to be submitted to the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office.
Authorities said the Cherokee County Emergency Communication Center received a 911 call on October 23, 2026, reporting that a person had been shot at 4971 SE 67th, in a rural area of Cherokee County.
Deputies were dispatched to the location to investigate the reported shooting.
When deputies arrived, they found a man suffering from gunshot wounds. Cherokee County Emergency Medical Services personnel examined the victim and determined that he had died.
The suspect, who authorities later identified as Joshua Wilson, was still at the scene when deputies arrived. Officers immediately detained him as the investigation began.
Authorities subsequently identified the deceased man as Gannon Reece and confirmed that Wilson was his younger brother.
Wilson was booked into the Cherokee County Jail in connection with Reece’s death on suspicion of second-degree murder.
According to the information provided by authorities, formal charges will be submitted to the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office. The available information does not specify whether prosecutors have formally filed the charges in court or whether Wilson has appeared before a judge.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the circumstances that led to the shooting.
No details have been released about what preceded the incident, whether an argument occurred, or what may have motivated the shooting. Authorities have not provided information about a possible firearm recovery or any other evidence beyond the initial circumstances described in the report.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation with assistance from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office.
Investigators are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding Reece’s death and gather evidence relevant to the case.
Authorities have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Officials also announced a temporary road closure affecting SE Lostine between Highway 69A and SE 60th.
Motorists were advised to use alternate routes until further notice while the closure remained in effect. The information provided did not specify when the roadway would reopen.
Drivers traveling through the area were encouraged to follow local traffic instructions and allow additional time for their journeys.
The fatal shooting has resulted in the death of a young Riverton resident and the arrest of his 19-year-old brother.
While authorities have identified both men and disclosed the booking allegation, several details remain unknown, including the events leading up to the shooting and the formal status of the prosecution.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and Cherokee County Attorney’s Office are continuing to investigate.
Joshua Wilson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.