New revelations have emerged surrounding the tragic death of 18-year-old Florida cheerleader Anna Kepner, as recently filed court documents reveal troubling allegations within her family—and publicly identify her 16-year-old stepbrother, Timothy Hudson, as a suspect in the ongoing federal investigation.
The new information, filed in Brevard County family court, outlines a history of domestic issues involving Anna’s stepmother, Shauntel Hudson (Kepner); her ex-husband, Thomas Hudson; and their children, including the minor now under scrutiny by the FBI.
Court Filings Detail Alleged Abuse Prior to Cruise Tragedy
In an emergency motion filed earlier this week, Shauntel alleges that her ex-husband, Thomas Hudson, physically and emotionally abused their two youngest children. One of those children—identified in documents as T.H., confirmed to be 16-year-old Timothy Hudson—is the same minor now being questioned in the death of Anna Kepner aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship.
According to the filings, Timothy has since been placed into the care of one of Shauntel’s relatives. The temporary placement was reportedly agreed upon by attorneys and federal agents and formalized in a stipulation filed on November 17, citing safety concerns amid the active criminal investigation.
Timeline of the Cruise and Discovery of Anna’s Body
Court records reaffirm that Shauntel, her two minor children, her new husband Jeffrey Kepner, and Anna boarded a Carnival Caribbean cruise earlier this month. Early in the six-day voyage, tragedy struck.
Anna was reportedly discovered deceased inside a cabin, wrapped in a blanket and partially covered with life jackets. Ship personnel and federal officials have not released further details about the condition of her body, and investigators have not disclosed a cause or manner of death.
After the discovery, the Carnival Horizon returned to port, where federal agents boarded the ship. Anna’s remains were transferred to the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy. As of now, no charges have been filed.
Mother Disputes Claims Made by Ex-Husband
In a newly filed response dated November 18, Shauntel disputes the emergency allegations previously filed by Thomas Hudson, who claimed there was violence occurring in her household. She asserts that these claims were already examined in court and dismissed.
Shauntel states the referenced incident involved her attempting to stop their older child—now an adult—from jumping out of a moving vehicle during a heated family dispute, and not an act of abuse against the child.
Her filing also alleges:
- Thomas Hudson’s parental involvement has been inconsistent
- There is an active DCF investigation into Thomas regarding physical and domestic abuse
- Both minor children have expressed fear of visiting him
However, the most pivotal portion of the filing is a statement confirming for the first time in writing:
“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 emphasizes that there are no allegations of abuse, neglect, or abandonment involving her or her household and notes that the family is currently navigating overwhelming grief as funeral services for Anna take place this week.
Legal Motions Seek Delay of Custody Proceedings
Given the active federal investigation, Shauntel is requesting that the court postpone any previously scheduled custody hearings. She argues that compelling testimony or proceedings at this stage could be prejudicial and interfere with the ongoing criminal case.
She further contends that there is no immediate emergency requiring expedited action by the court, and urges all matters to move forward on a standard schedule once the investigation concludes.
Federal Investigation Ongoing
As the tragic case continues to unfold:
- No arrests have been made
- No formal suspects have been publicly named by investigators
- No cause or manner of death has been released
The FBI continues to lead the investigation, while court documents strongly indicate that federal authorities remain focused on Timothy Hudson.
Community and National Attention Growing
Anna Kepner’s death has drawn widespread media attention across Florida and beyond. Known as a talented athlete and vibrant young woman, her shocking death aboard a family cruise has left friends, classmates, and loved ones devastated.
As legal filings surface and new details come to light, the case continues to evolve. Authorities caution that many details remain confidential due to the involvement of a minor suspect and the sensitive nature of the investigation.
Further updates will be shared as more verified and official information becomes available.