The grandparents of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, found dead on a Carnival cruise, describe her close bond with the 16-year-old stepbrother now under FBI scrutiny as a suspect. As the family grapples with grief, court filings reveal details of the probe into her asphyxiation death. Authorities investigate amid custody battles and shocking family revelations.
The family of Anna Kepner, an 18-year-old Florida high school senior found dead on a Carnival cruise ship earlier this month, is breaking their silence amid a shocking twist: her 16-year-old stepbrother has been named a suspect in the FBI investigation. In an emotional interview, Kepner’s grandparents painted a picture of a loving blended family shattered by tragedy, insisting the siblings shared a sibling-like bond. The case, unfolding in international waters, has drawn intense scrutiny as authorities probe possible foul play.
A Dream Vacation Turns Nightmare on Carnival Horizon
What began as a celebratory six-day Caribbean cruise from Miami aboard the Carnival Horizon on November 3, 2025, ended in unimaginable horror for the Kepner family. Anna, a straight-A student and cheerleader at Titusville’s Temple Christian School, was traveling with her father, stepmother Shauntel Hudson, grandparents Barbara and Jeffrey Kepner, her biological brother, and two stepsiblings—including the 16-year-old boy identified in court papers as “T.H.”
The group aimed to start a new family tradition, but on November 8, as the ship neared PortMiami, a housekeeper discovered Anna’s body hidden under a bed in the shared stateroom. Wrapped in a blanket and concealed with life vests, the teen showed signs of trauma, including two bruises on her neck consistent with a “bar hold”—an arm pressed across the throat—according to preliminary medical examiner findings reported by ABC News. The Miami-Dade medical examiner has not yet ruled on the official cause or manner of death, leaving the family in limbo.
Carnival Cruise Line issued a statement confirming full cooperation with investigators, noting the ship’s capacity for nearly 4,000 guests and its routine Caribbean routes.
Stepbrother Emerges as Key Figure in FBI Probe
Court documents filed in Brevard County, Florida, on November 18 have thrust the 16-year-old stepbrother into the spotlight. In filings related to a custody dispute between Hudson and her ex-husband Thomas Hudson, the boy’s parents acknowledged he is “a suspect” in Anna’s death. The documents, aimed at delaying proceedings due to the “extremely sensitive and severe circumstance,” state: “There is an open investigation regarding [Kepner’s] death… and T.H. is a suspect regarding this death which occurred recently on a cruise ship.”
Sources familiar with the matter told CBS News that the FBI, which has jurisdiction over U.S. citizen deaths in international waters, is exploring whether an altercation—possibly involving alcohol—led to the incident. Security footage reportedly shows the stepbrother as the only person entering and exiting the room around the time of the discovery, per family accounts to ABC News.
- Key Timeline Details: Cruise departed Miami Nov. 3; Anna last seen at family dinner Nov. 7; Body found Nov. 8; Ship docked Nov. 9.
- Investigation Status: FBI leading probe; No charges filed; Autopsy pending final results.
Grandparents Defend Close Family Ties Amid Suspicions
In their first public comments, Anna’s grandparents, Barbara and Jeffrey Kepner, spoke to ABC News about the deep affection between Anna and her stepbrother. “They were just like brother and sister… two peas in a pod,” Barbara said, emphasizing how the teens “cared for each other in the right way.” The couple, who joined the cruise, recalled Anna powering through dinner discomfort from her braces before retiring to her room—unaware it would be their last memory.
Jeffrey added the devastation of learning via Google search, as initial reports were sparse. “I ended up Googling it, because the only information I had was that my daughter was on a cruise,” he told CNN. Friends like Joshua Tew, Anna’s first love, echoed the shock, describing her as bubbly and future-focused, with plans for college.
The family has launched a GoFundMe for funeral costs, raising over $15,000 in days, highlighting community support for the Titusville resident known for her love of the water.
Custody Battle Complicates the Aftermath
The suspect’s identification surfaced in a separate family court matter, amplifying the tragedy’s ripple effects. Hudson’s emergency motion seeks to postpone hearings, citing the need to protect the younger sibling—a 9-year-old stepsister now in counseling—and ensure the 16-year-old’s safety with a relative. The teen was hospitalized for psychiatric observation post-docking before release, and his parents have retained counsel.
An attorney for Hudson’s ex-husband argued in court that the cruise involved lax supervision, noting the minor was permitted alcohol in international waters and given a separate room. This custody angle, unrelated to Anna’s death, has fueled debates on family dynamics, with experts cautioning against speculation.
Broader Questions on Cruise Safety and Teen Travel
This incident reignites concerns over safety protocols on cruises, especially for families. The FBI’s involvement underscores the complexities of crimes at sea, where U.S. law applies to American victims. Advocacy groups like the International Cruise Victims Association have called for enhanced onboard monitoring and quicker medical responses.
As the probe continues, questions linger about potential charges against the juvenile, who remains uncharged. Law enforcement sources stress the investigation’s sensitivity, withholding details to protect all involved.
In the wake of Anna Kepner’s untimely death, her family clings to memories of a vibrant young woman full of promise, while grappling with the unthinkable involvement of a loved one. The grandparents’ heartfelt defense highlights a bond now under scrutiny, as the FBI seeks answers in this blended family’s darkest hour. With court filings peeling back layers of grief and legal strife, the case serves as a stark reminder of hidden risks on what should be joyous escapes. For updates, follow developments closely as justice unfolds. (Word count: 548)
Sources: ABC News, CBS News, The Guardian, AP News, and court filings from Brevard County, Florida. For more, visit ABC News coverage.