A Family Vacation Turns Fatal (Image Credits: Tcd-images.akamaized.net)
Miami, Florida – Federal prosecutors charged the 16-year-old stepbrother of Anna Kepner with her homicide three months after the 18-year-old cheerleader’s body turned up under a bed on a Carnival cruise ship.
A Family Vacation Turns Fatal
On November 7, 2025, passengers aboard the Carnival Horizon discovered Kepner’s body during what was supposed to be a routine family trip. Authorities quickly launched an investigation, and a source familiar with the case revealed she died from asphyxiation caused by a bar hold, with two bruises noted on the side of her neck.[1][2]
The FBI took over the probe due to the incident occurring in international waters. Kepner’s stepbrother soon emerged as the primary suspect, though officials withheld his name because of his age. Family members expelled him from their home immediately after the cruise ended. Social media posts from the Kepners later expressed strong sentiments, including desires for severe consequences.
Custody Dispute Exposes the Charges
A Brevard County court filing on February 20, 2026, brought the charges to light. Thomas Hudson, the suspect’s father, sought emergency custody of his 9-year-old daughter from ex-wife Shauntel Hudson and Chris Kepner, Anna’s father. The petition cited a “significant and unanticipated change in circumstances.”
It referenced Kepner family social media stating that on February 3, 2026, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Florida charged Hudson’s son with homicide in Kepner’s death. The document alluded to a second, redacted charge. This revelation stemmed from an unrelated family matter but provided the first public confirmation of the federal action.[3]
Court Appearance Under Seal
The stepbrother appeared in federal court in Miami on February 6, 2026, accompanied by a public defender. Media access was barred, and the case remained sealed, listing only a magistrate judge’s agenda item with a hidden case number. Hudson’s recent filing indicated his support for the teen’s criminal defense efforts.
Former Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg explained the secrecy. Federal law protects juveniles by keeping such indictments under seal until potential adult charges arise. “If it’s a juvenile, you won’t know until he’s charged as an adult,” he stated.[2]
Timeline of Key Events
The case unfolded rapidly after months of silence. Investigators pieced together evidence from the ship, leading to the suspect’s identification early on.
- November 7, 2025: Anna Kepner found dead under a bed on Carnival Horizon.
- Post-cruise: Stepbrother expelled from family home.
- February 3, 2026: Federal homicide charge filed.
- February 6, 2026: Sealed court appearance in Miami.
- February 20, 2026: Custody petition reveals charges publicly.
Authorities have not disclosed further details on the manner of death or additional evidence.
Key Takeaways
- The stepbrother, identified only by initials T.H. in filings, remains unnamed publicly due to juvenile status.
- Charges stem from a U.S. Attorney’s Office indictment, likely staying sealed for now.
- Family tensions escalated, influencing the custody battle that exposed the case.
This tragedy underscores the hidden dangers that can shatter family outings at sea. As the federal case progresses behind closed doors, questions linger about accountability and justice for Anna Kepner. What are your thoughts on handling juvenile cases in high-profile incidents like this? Share in the comments below.
