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
New Mexico Teen Darren Munoz Charged With Orchestrating Parents’ Murders in Alleged Financial Plot
A 19-year-old New Mexico man is facing multiple murder-related charges after authorities allege he arranged the killings of his father and stepmother as part of a plan to gain control of their finances and property.
Darren Munoz, 19, is accused of recruiting a friend, 18-year-old Julio Zamora, to carry out the fatal shootings of Oscar Munoz, 58, and Dina Munoz, 71, inside the family’s home in Clovis, New Mexico—located more than 200 miles east of Albuquerque.
Both suspects were taken into custody on Monday, December 15.
According to an arrest affidavit, investigators believe the killings were premeditated and planned over the course of weeks or months. Authorities allege Munoz intended to seize his parents’ assets and financial holdings and believed his father owned an Allsups convenience store franchise, a chain operating hundreds of locations across Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.
Prosecutors allege the plan called for Zamora to enter the residence through the garage during the early morning hours and shoot both victims while they slept.
Investigators also identified a second individual as a potential backup should Zamora fail to carry out the plan.
Police were dispatched to the Clovis residence at approximately 4:50 a.m. on December 15 after receiving a report of a possible burglary.
Upon arrival, officers found Munoz standing near the open garage.
According to police, Munoz told officers there was no emergency and attempted to dissuade them from entering the home, stating his parents were asleep.
Officers were eventually permitted inside the residence.
Investigators state that Munoz later emerged from a bedroom with blood on his hands.
Both Oscar and Dina Munoz had sustained gunshot wounds to the head. Dina Munoz was pronounced dead at the scene, while Oscar Munoz was transported to a hospital in Lubbock, Texas, where he later died from his injuries.
Munoz reportedly told investigators he was awakened by the sound of the garage door alarm but claimed he did not hear any gunshots.
Authorities noted that this account appeared inconsistent with the home’s layout.
Investigators also reported there were no signs of forced entry and no evidence that property had been stolen.
Additional evidence surfaced during the investigation, including statements from Munoz’s girlfriend, who told police he had previously discussed trading an AR-style rifle for another firearm.
Surveillance footage reportedly shows Munoz carrying a 9mm Glock handgun several hours before the killings. Investigators also confirmed that Munoz, Zamora, and others had recently purchased 9mm ammunition together.
Zamora was later arrested outside his residence, where authorities recovered a 9mm Glock handgun believed to have been used in the murders.
Investigators allege Zamora admitted that Munoz asked him to kill his parents.
Darren Munoz is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and solicitation to commit first-degree murder.
Julio Zamora faces two counts of murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Both defendants have entered not guilty pleas as the case proceeds through the court system.