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.
Orlando, Fla. — Family and friends of 33-year-old Julien Emmanuel Cruz are seeking answers and accountability following his fatal shooting outside a popular LGBTQ+ nightclub early Sunday morning.
According to the Orlando Police Department, officers responded at approximately 2:31 a.m. on February 22, 2026, to the 1900 block of North Orange Avenue, just north of Lake Ivanhoe, in reference to a reported shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located Cruz suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities confirmed Cruz was born May 18, 1992.
Detectives determined that prior to the shooting, Cruz and the suspect were involved in a verbal and physical altercation on the sidewalk outside the nightclub district. Investigators say that during the dispute, the suspect retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and shot Cruz.
The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, which patrol officers later located in the 200 block of East New Hampshire Avenue, approximately two blocks from where the shooting occurred.
Police subsequently arrested 37-year-old Jean Gabriel Borja Gil De La Madr (DOB: October 29, 1988). He has been charged with Second Degree Murder with a Firearm. Authorities confirmed this case marks the third homicide in Orlando in 2026.
Cruz’s father, Anthony Cruz, said his son and his partner had been at Savoy Orlando enjoying the evening before the violence unfolded.
According to the family, as the couple exited the club after closing time, a vehicle sped past them. Cruz’s partner allegedly yelled toward the occupants of the vehicle, prompting the car to stop. A physical altercation then reportedly began between Cruz’s partner and one of the individuals from the vehicle.
“When they fought, my son saw that was happening. My son went to intervene, and when he intervened, another guy got out of the car, and he got shot,” Anthony Cruz said. “My son didn’t deserve what happened. All I have left is a shirt — a shirt with a bullet hole.”
While police have charged Borja Gil De La Madr, Cruz’s family maintains that another individual may have been directly responsible for pulling the trigger. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether additional suspects are being sought.
A small memorial has formed across from the nightclub, where members of the community have gathered to honor Cruz’s memory.
Joshua Cooper, owner of Savoy Orlando, said the tragedy has deeply impacted the LGBTQ+ community, even though the shooting occurred off the club’s property.
“I didn’t know the victim, but from everything I’ve been told, I wish I had,” Cooper said. “He seemed like a great kid. Seeing a family that is so heartbroken and so supportive of this community says so much.”
The Orlando Police Department has not released additional information regarding potential additional suspects. Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation and shooting.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Orlando Police Department or Crimeline.
The investigation remains active.