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.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.