Tragedy at Sea: Cheerleader's Death Now Treated as Suspected Murder
The investigation into the death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner has taken a dramatic turn as court documents reveal her 16-year-old stepbrother is facing a suspected murder probe by the FBI.
Anna, a school cheerleader from Titusville, Florida, was discovered dead on November 7 while the mega-liner Carnival Horizon sailed in international waters between Mexico and Florida. The teenager had been on a six-day Caribbean getaway with her blended family when tragedy struck.
The grim discovery occurred when Anna was found under a bed in her cabin, wrapped in a blanket and covered with life vests. This marks the first time authorities have used the term "murder" in relation to the case, according to explosive new court filings obtained exclusively by The Daily Mail.
Official Cause of Death Revealed
Earlier on Friday, ABC News reported that the official cause of death was asphyxiation via a bar hold - described as an arm across the neck. This chilling detail emerged as the FBI intensified its investigation into the circumstances surrounding Anna's death.
The breakthrough in the case came through court paperwork filed by Anna's stepmother, 36-year-old Shauntel Hudson, who is engaged in a custody battle with her ex-husband Thomas. The legal documents have become unexpectedly entangled in the criminal investigation.
In a motion submitted to Brevard County Court in Florida, Shauntel's attorney wrote: "An extremely sensitive and severe circumstance has arisen wherein there is an investigation being conducted by Federal Bureau of Investigations, (FBI) arising out of the suspected murder of the Respondent/Mother's stepdaughter."
The motion further states: "The minor child, TH, is currently the subject of the active FBI criminal investigation." This represents the first official confirmation that the 16-year-old stepbrother is at the centre of the murder probe.
Family Drama and Legal Battles
Shauntel Hudson's legal filing forms part of her motion to seal the divorce case and prevent further information about her family and the circumstances of Anna's death from becoming public. She expressed concern that her ex-husband Thomas may have "impeded the active criminal investigation" through confidential comments he allegedly made.
The stepmother is requesting a Non-Dissemination Order that would prevent both parties from discussing or distributing information about the case. She specifically demands the restriction of information concerning:
- The FBI investigation
- Her custody battle
- Any law enforcement activity
- Documents, photographs or texts relating to her son
Shauntel also wants "all proceedings be closed to the press in the event criminal charges are filed against the minor child, his right to a fair trial may be tarnished."
Chilling Allegations and Last Moments
The explosive development comes less than 24 hours after an emotional celebration of life for Anna at a packed church in her hometown of Titusville. The service was attended by her ex-boyfriend Josh Tew, who made startling allegations against the stepbrother.
Josh revealed that the 16-year-old had previously tried to climb on top of Anna against her will months before her death. He also provided chilling details about the final moments of Anna's life before her discovery.
Anna had been sharing the cabin with her 14-year-old brother and the 16-year-old stepbrother, who cannot be named for legal reasons. According to a well-placed source, the two boys had bunk beds while Anna slept in her own bed.
When the Carnival Horizon returned to Miami a day after the discovery, the vessel was swarmed by FBI agents who launched an immediate investigation.
A Life Cut Short
Known affectionately as "Anna Banana" to friends and family, the 18-year-old was set to graduate in May and had planned to join the military. A gymnast and varsity cheerleader, she attended Temple Christian School in Titusville.
Her heartbroken father Christopher described his daughter's ultimate career goal as joining the local police department to protect her friends and family. "The whole family is lost for words. We miss her and love her more than anything," he told the Daily Mail in a previous interview.
Christopher expressed frustration with the investigation, stating: "The FBI hasn't shared anything with me yet. I would imagine they're going to be in contact with me about it - but I know as little as everybody else."
Anna's mother Heather remembered her daughter as being "always happy" and recalled her love of horseback racing and cheerleading. "She was a really good child," the heartbroken mother told Fox 13. "She never really complained about much."
Former classmate Daisy Fletcher spoke poignantly about Anna's empathetic nature, telling the Daily Mail: "Whenever someone was upset Anna put a lot of effort into making sure they felt really cared about, that she was really there for them."
Anna had been on previous cruises and frequently expressed her love of travel on TikTok. In one haunting post from six months earlier, she danced about in a white dress on the same Carnival Horizon, captioned: "I wanna go back."
Both Carnival Cruise Line and the FBI have issued statements regarding the ongoing investigation. Carnival stated: "Our focus is on supporting the family of our guest and cooperating with the FBI." Meanwhile, an FBI spokesman confirmed: "No further information is being released at this time."
The case continues to develop as the family mourns their devastating loss while awaiting answers from investigators.
