Step Sibling May Face Charges in Death of Carnival Horizon Teen Anna Kepner, Filings Show

A minor may soon face criminal charges connected to the death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, a Florida teen who was found dead earlier this month aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship. The development surfaced in a new filing from an unrelated family court matter, raising new questions in a case that has remained largely unexplained since the teen’s sudden death on November 8.

Kepner, a cheerleader from Titusville, Florida, died during a Caribbean cruise taken with her father, Christopher Kepner, 41, her stepmother Shauntel Hudson, 36, and several step-siblings. According to the Monday filing, one of those step-siblings — a minor — may now be facing criminal charges. The filing notes that the FBI is investigating circumstances “arising out of the sudden death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner.” Officials have not yet disclosed a cause or manner of death.

Step Sibling May Face Charges in Death of Carnival Horizon Teen Anna Kepner, Filings Show

Hudson, who appeared in family court this week for an unrelated custody matter, requested that her hearing be delayed because one of her minor children may become the subject of a criminal case. The filing, cited by ABC News, states: “The Respondent has been advised through discussions with FBI investigators and her attorneys, that a criminal case may be initiated against one of the minor children of this instant action. Any testimony the Respondent may give, either written or oral, could be prejudicial to her or her adolescent child in this pending criminal investigation, therefore the Respondent cannot be compelled to testify.”

The FBI declined to comment on the case, and officials have not released new information about the circumstances of Anna Kepner’s death.

The latest development comes after a man claiming to be Kepner’s uncle, Martin Donohue, posted on X alleging that the teen’s younger stepbrother was involved in her death. He claimed that Anna had been beaten, wrapped in a blanket, and hidden under a bed on the ship. His allegations have not been confirmed by law enforcement. In a Facebook forum, another user commented that the boy was “removed off the ship in cuffs,” adding that the family had allegedly threatened people privately to stay quiet. Authorities have not verified any of these claims.

Step Sibling May Face Charges in Death of Carnival Horizon Teen Anna Kepner, Filings Show

According to the individual claiming to be the teen’s uncle, Anna’s stepbrother had accompanied the family — including Anna’s father, stepmother, and three step-siblings — on the cruise before the alleged assault. He also accused the parents of attempting to cover up the boy’s involvement, alleging that they have refused to speak publicly about what happened on the ship or in the moments leading up to Anna’s death.

In a public Facebook comment responding to online speculation, Anna’s grandmother Barbara Collins Kepner stated, “My granddaughter was 18 years old, no drugs or alcohol involved. She was murdered. Yes, she was murdered. That is why the FBI was there.” This marks the first time a close family member has publicly claimed Anna was killed. Authorities have not confirmed her allegation.

The Space Coast Rocket reported that a member of Anna’s extended family confirmed that the older stepson, Tim, has not been seen at the family home since returning from the cruise. It remains unclear whether his absence is related to the investigation, and federal investigators have not commented on his location, status, or role in the case, if any.

Carnival Cruise Line, which operates the Carnival Horizon, has remained largely silent since the incident. In its initial statement following news of Anna’s death, the company said, “Our focus is on supporting the family of our guest and cooperating with the FBI.”