FBI Probe Expands as Anna Kepner Death on Carnival Horizon Unfolds
FBI Probe Expands as Anna Kepner Death on Carnival Horizon Unfolds
New details emerge about Anna Kepner's death aboard Carnival Horizon as an FBI probe targets a teen stepbrother, while a custody hearing reveals family tensions.
Anna Kepner, 16, was found dead aboard the Carnival Horizon, and the FBI is expanding its investigation to include her 16-year-old stepbrother, who has been described as a suspect in the death. The tragedy has also intersected with a custody dispute, as Shauntel Hudson, the girl’s stepmother, testified at an emergency hearing about the family’s cruise arrangements and living setups. Hudson explained that the three teenagers—Anna, her 14-year-old half-brother, and the stepbrother—were allowed to share one cabin on the trip after a travel agent advised it, while she and another adult stayed in rooms nearby. She noted that the teenagers were close, with Hudson calling them “the three amigos” and saying they were best friends. The three were said to have shared the cabin late on the night of November 6, with Hudson recalling that she last saw Anna around 6:30 p.m. and that the trio planned to return to their room before heading to bed. The body was discovered the following morning under the bed in that cabin. Public postings on Anna’s social media show a strong bond with her half-brother, including photos of them together. An ex-boyfriend of Anna’s said outside her memorial service that she did not enjoy spending time with the stepbrother, a detail that adds complexity to the case and the family dynamics involved. On the legal side, the custody hearing saw the mother seeking to remove her younger daughter from the home, while Anna’s father—who is the ex-husband of the stepmother—pushed for custody due to concerns over safety amid the ongoing investigation. The stepbrother was later moved to live with relatives as concerns for the children’s safety were raised. As authorities continue to gather evidence, the judge has acknowledged the teen as a suspect, complicating proceedings and keeping the case in the public eye as more details are anticipated. No official cause of death has been released publicly, but investigators say all leads are being pursued as the family and the cruise-line community await further updates.
Cover image source: Judge Now Says Anna Kepner's 16-Year-Old Stepbrother Is 'a Suspect' in Her Cruise Ship Death 🔗
