Stepsibling May Face Charges in Death of Florida Teen on Carnival Cruise, Filing Shows
A new court filing has shed light on the ongoing investigation into the shocking death of 18-year-old Florida student Anna Kepner, who was found dead earlier this month aboard the Carnival Horizon.
According to the filing, one of Kepner’s minor stepsiblings may face criminal charges, marking the first significant development in a case that has remained shrouded in mystery.
Kepner, a senior and cheerleader at Temple Christian School in Titusville, was discovered dead in her cabin on Nov. 7 while sailing with her father, stepmother, and step-siblings on a Caribbean itinerary departing Miami.
Federal officials have not released a cause or manner of death, and the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner has not commented publicly.
Court Filing Points to Possible Charges Against Minor Stepsibling
The new information surfaced in an emergency motion filed in a Brevard County family court, where Kepner’s stepmother, Shauntel Hudson, requested a delay in an unrelated custody hearing. In the filing, Hudson stated she was advised by FBI investigators and her attorneys that a criminal case may be initiated against one of her minor children.
The document noted that “an extremely sensitive and severe circumstance has arisen,” making it impossible for Hudson to testify in the family court matter without potentially harming her child’s legal position.
According to the filings, the FBI is conducting an investigation “arising out of the sudden death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner.” Although federal authorities responded to the scene shortly after her death, the agency has not disclosed any findings or confirmed whether foul play is suspected.
The filing makes no mention of what specifically could lead to criminal charges or what circumstances may have occurred aboard the ship.
FBI Investigation Ongoing; Carnival Cooperating
The FBI has acknowledged its involvement but declined to release any details, citing the open investigation. In a statement, Carnival Cruise Line said it is fully cooperating with federal authorities and remains focused on supporting the teen’s family.
The Carnival Horizon returned to Miami on Nov. 8—the same day the ship reported the incident. Since then, no additional information has been released by the medical examiner or the FBI.
Community Mourns Loss of “Bright, Kind-Hearted” Student
The news has devastated the Titusville community, where Kepner was known as a dedicated student, cheerleader, and straight-A senior preparing for graduation in the spring.
Temple Christian School shared a tribute to the teen, describing her as a “bright, kind-hearted young woman whose presence brought warmth and energy into the classroom.”
As federal investigators continue their work, the court documents remain the only public insight into a case now centered on a minor who was traveling with the victim. Many questions—especially what happened in the hours leading up to Kepner’s death—remain unanswered.
Authorities have not said when additional details may be released.
