Stepbrother Appears in Federal Court Over Anna Kepner's Cruise Ship Death
The 16-year-old stepbrother of Anna Kepner was seen arriving at a federal courthouse in Miami on Friday morning, where he faces multiple charges in connection with her mysterious death aboard a Carnival cruise ship nearly three months ago. The teenager, whose identity remains protected due to his age, arrived flanked by his father, Thomas Hudson, 37, at the James Lawrence King Federal Justice Centre for a closed-door hearing before a federal judge.
Charges and Custody Decision
Well-placed sources indicate the young suspect faces at least two charges related to the November 7 death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, who was allegedly killed by asphyxiation aboard the Carnival Horizon. The judge presiding over today's hearing will determine whether the boy remains in custody or is released into the care of a relative while legal proceedings continue.
"This is an important first step for everyone," a source close to the case revealed. "The sooner we learn his fate, the sooner everyone can move on and begin the healing process. You wouldn't wish any of this on your worst enemy."
The Tragic Discovery
Anna Kepner of Titusville, Florida, was pronounced dead at 11:17 a.m. on November 7 while the 133,000-ton Carnival Horizon was en route from Mexico to Florida. Her body was discovered by a cleaning crew, wrapped in a blanket and covered with life preservers, hidden under a bed in the cabin she shared with her 16-year-old stepbrother and 14-year-old half-brother.
The night before her death, Anna had told family members during dinner that she was feeling unwell and retired to the cabin early. While her half-brother wandered the ship taking photographs, she remained alone with her stepbrother, who reportedly takes medication for ADHD and insomnia. When the younger boy returned to the cabin, he assumed Anna was elsewhere with other family members and went to sleep, unaware her body was concealed just feet away.
Investigation Developments
FBI agents swarmed the ship when it returned to Miami on November 8, interviewing family members and examining CCTV footage. A law enforcement source later told ABC News that Anna died from asphyxiation caused by a bar hold, suggesting pressure was applied across her neck.
For nearly three months, authorities had not publicly named any suspects or persons of interest in Anna's death. However, the stepbrother's alleged involvement emerged through court filings in a custody dispute between his mother, Shauntel Hudson, 36, and his father, Thomas Hudson. Both parents referred to their son as a "suspect" in court documents, with one filing describing Anna's death as a "suspected murder."
Family Dynamics and Legal Proceedings
Anna's father, Christopher Kepner, 41, initially dismissed suggestions that his stepson was considered a suspect when speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail on November 11. However, he reversed his position two weeks later, telling People magazine: "He was the only one that was in the room. I can't say he is responsible - but I can't rule it out. I want him to face the consequences."
Christopher and Shauntel had already removed the teenage boy from their blended household in Titusville, placing him with a relative while the FBI investigation continued. A Brevard County judge ruled that the couple's young daughter could remain with them provided the stepbrother lived elsewhere, determining she was not in any immediate danger.
Anna Kepner's Legacy
Anna, a high school senior from Titusville, Florida, had chronicled her love of travel on TikTok and had been on several cruises. Her family described her in an obituary as "pure energy: bubbly, funny, outgoing, and completely herself." She had planned to either join the U.S. Navy or become a K9 handler with the Titusville Police Department.
The stepbrother, when traced by the Daily Mail to a relative's rural Florida home in December, would only say: "I'd rather not talk." According to sources, he has insisted he cannot remember what transpired in the cabin on the night of Anna's death.
Peter Molinelli, an attorney representing Thomas Hudson, declined to comment on the case. The FBI has also declined to comment, and the Department of Justice did not respond to inquiries. Christopher Kepner said this week he was "unable to confirm or deny" whether his stepson is facing murder and rape charges as the legal process unfolds.
