Anna Kepner's Stepmom, Shauntel Hudson, Invokes 5th Amendment in Ongoing Custody Battle Amid Questions About Her Son's Involvement in Cheerleader’s Death

The mystery surrounding Anna Kepner's tragic death aboard the Carnival Horizon continues to deepen as new revelations emerge. Shauntel Hudson, Anna’s 36-year-old stepmother, has invoked her Fifth Amendment right not to testify in an ongoing family court case, raising suspicions about her involvement and her minor son's possible connection to the death of the 18-year-old cheerleader.

Anna was found dead on November 8, 2025, under a bed in the shared cabin on the cruise ship. At the time of her death, Shauntel Hudson had been aboard the ship with her new husband, Christopher Kepner—Anna’s biological father—and their combined children, including Anna's step-siblings. The family had been on a six-day Caribbean getaway when the tragic incident occurred.

While Anna’s cause of death remains under investigation, Timothy “Tim” Hudson, Shauntel’s 16-year-old son, is currently a suspect in her death. The FBI has yet to file criminal charges, but the ongoing investigation has led to a custody dispute between Shauntel and her ex-husband, Thomas Hudson. In an emergency motion filed in Brevard County, Florida, Thomas Hudson claims that his ex-wife’s actions have put their son’s future at risk.

According to the motion, Thomas Hudson is seeking temporary custody of his son and alleges that Shauntel Hudson’s decisions have compromised his son’s well-being and put him in jeopardy. In the motion, he confirms that Timothy Hudson is a suspect in Anna’s death, but no formal charges have been filed.

As the family navigates this increasingly complicated situation, Shauntel Hudson has requested a delay in the custody hearing, citing the ongoing investigation into Anna’s death. She also expressed her intention to invoke her Fifth Amendment right not to testify, fearing that any statements she made could be used against her or her son in a potential criminal case.

The situation has sparked widespread speculation online, with many questioning Shauntel Hudson’s role in the events leading to Anna’s death. Social media users have pointed fingers at her, suggesting she may be trying to cover up her son’s involvement in the incident. One comment read: “The stepmom should be the one facing charges. She fed those boys hatred towards their stepsister for sure.” Another user wrote: “It seems like she’s trying to create a reason to cover up whatever happened between Timothy and Anna.”

Anna’s tragic death occurred after she complained of feeling unwell the evening of November 6 and went back to the cabin she shared with her younger brother and stepbrother. Her body was discovered the next day, hidden under the bed, wrapped in a blanket. Authorities have confirmed that the cabin’s layout was such that Anna’s brother unknowingly slept just feet away from her hidden body, unaware of the tragedy that had unfolded the night before.

Anna Kepner

Despite mounting questions surrounding the circumstances of Anna’s death, the FBI continues to investigate. As of November 20, 2025, no criminal charges have been filed against any members of the family, including Timothy Hudson, though the investigation is ongoing.

The case has captured national attention, with many wondering if the events leading to Anna’s death were preventable—and whether those closest to her might have known more than they’re letting on.