FBI Investigates 16-Year-Old in Anna Kepner Cruise Ship Homicide Case
MELBOURNE, Fla. — The FBI is actively investigating the death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship, with federal agents weighing possible charges against her 16-year-old stepbrother. The teenager remains in the custody of a relative as authorities continue their inquiry into what has been classified as a homicide by mechanical asphyxiation.
During an emergency custody hearing held on December 5, 2025, Millicent Athanason, attorney for Shauntel Kepner, Anna’s stepmother, disclosed that the FBI’s Miami field office is considering whether to pursue charges at the state or federal level. “We’re not sure what the FBI is going to do,” Athanason said, acknowledging the ongoing nature of the investigation. Neither the FBI nor the U.S. Attorney’s Office has publicly identified any suspects or filed charges.
Anna Kepner was found deceased under the bed in her cabin where she shared space with her 14-year-old brother and 16-year-old stepbrother. Family members have described the death as a homicide, and court documents reveal that both Shauntel Kepner and Anna’s biological father, Chris Kepner, have referred to the 16-year-old as a suspect. The FBI’s probe, which involves forensic and psychological testing, is still underway as investigators await critical results.
Following Anna’s death, safety concerns prompted Shauntel Kepner to remove the teenager from her home, placing him with a relative during the investigation. Athanason noted that the 16-year-old has a history of ADHD and was prescribed medication for insomnia, which he reportedly missed taking for two days while on the cruise.
Experts familiar with maritime investigations emphasize the complexity of such cases, especially when they involve crimes aboard vessels in international waters. The FBI Miami Field Office is leading the inquiry, coordinating with other agencies to unravel the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The legal dispute between Shauntel Kepner and Thomas Hudson, the teenager’s father, has intensified with the emergency custody hearing, highlighting the emotional toll on the family. Shauntel sought to delay the hearing but was unsuccessful, underscoring the urgency felt by the court to address custody amid the ongoing investigation.
Anna Kepner was an 18-year-old Florida cheerleader whose untimely death has drawn national attention. The case has raised questions about safety and supervision aboard cruise ships, with the U.S. Coast Guard often involved in maritime safety and investigations. As the FBI continues its work, the community and family await further developments.
Authorities have refrained from releasing additional details, citing the sensitivity of the investigation. The combination of forensic analysis, psychological evaluations, and legal proceedings will likely shape the next steps in this tragic case.
For updates on federal investigations and maritime safety protocols, information is available through the U.S. Department of Justice and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which occasionally provide guidance on health and safety aboard cruise ships.
The FBI’s continued involvement underscores the seriousness with which the agency is treating the incident, as the family and public seek answers about the circumstances that led to Anna Kepner’s death.
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