Miami, FL – New details have emerged in the death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, a Florida high school cheerleader found dead aboard a Carnival cruise ship earlier this month, and investigators now indicate that criminal charges may soon be filed against one of her stepsiblings.
Discovery of the New Filing
A recent emergency motion filed in a divorce case involving Kepner’s stepmother, Shauntel Hudson, revealed the development. The motion asks the court to delay a scheduled hearing, noting that Hudson was informed by FBI investigators that “a criminal case may be initiated” involving one of her minor children.
The filing adds that an “extremely sensitive and severe circumstance” prevents her from appearing in court at this time.
What Happened on the Cruise Ship
Kepner had been on a family vacation in the Caribbean, traveling with her father, stepmother and three stepsiblings on the Carnival Horizon. The ship was returning to Miami on Nov. 8 when her body was discovered.
According to law enforcement sources referenced in the CBS News report, a housekeeper found the teen hidden under the bed inside her stateroom.
Events Leading Up to the Discovery
Family members say Kepner mentioned feeling unwell the night before and returned to her room early. When she did not appear at breakfast the next morning, relatives began searching the ship.
This quickly escalated into a broader investigation conducted by ship security and federal authorities.
FBI and Ship Security Investigations
Investigators are now reviewing several types of evidence to determine what happened inside the teen’s cabin. This includes:
- Surveillance footage from throughout the ship
- Electronic swipe card data, which shows who entered or exited rooms
- Cellphone records belonging to Kepner
Authorities are also conducting interviews with passengers, crew members and family members to piece together the final hours of Kepner’s life.
Federal Jurisdiction and Cooperation
In a statement, Carnival Cruise Line confirmed it is cooperating fully with the investigation.
Because Kepner was a U.S. citizen and her death occurred while the ship was in international waters, the case falls under the jurisdiction of the FBI.
The Miami FBI office is reportedly working closely with Carnival’s security team as they gather evidence.
Ongoing Questions and Next Steps
The revelation in the court filing adds a new dimension to a case that has already drawn national attention.
While officials have not disclosed the evidence pointing toward a stepsibling, the indication that charges may be forthcoming suggests investigators have identified new, significant information.
Authorities have not released the cause of death, and no arrests have been made at this time.
More details are expected as the FBI continues its investigation and as the court in Hudson’s divorce case evaluates the emergency motion.
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