FLORIDA Newly released court documents have identified the 16-year-old stepbrother of an 18-year-old Florida teen found dead aboard a Carnival cruise ship as a suspect in her death, shedding light on a federal investigation that has shaken the family and stunned the Titusville community. Anna Kepner, 18, of Titusville, was found dead on November 8 inside her stateroom on the Carnival Horizon. Her body was discovered beneath a bed, wrapped in a blanket and covered with life vests. According to preliminary findings reported by ABC News, investigators noted signs of asphyxiation consistent with a bar hold, with two bruises on her throat. Final autopsy and toxicology results remain pending. Teen Shared Cabin With Stepbrother During the Cruise Anna, a high school cheerleader, had been sharing a cabin with her 16-year-old stepbrother, who was on the cruise with Anna’s father, stepmother, and two younger step-siblings. Court records reviewed as part of a separate custody dispute allege that the teen was allowed to drink alcohol while the ship was sailing in international waters. The boy was later transported to a hospital for evaluation when the ship docked in Miami. The FBI, which has jurisdiction over deaths aboard U. S. cruise ships, has not publicly confirmed foul play or disclosed what evidence caused investigators to focus on the teen. Carnival said it is fully cooperating with the FBI’s Miami field office and expressed its condolences to Anna’s family. Parents Reveal Teen Is Under Federal Investigation The revelation that the stepbrother is a suspect surfaced during a family court hearing involving the teen’s parents, Shauntel Hudson and Thomas Hudson. Both acknowledged in court that their middle child identified only as “T. H.” is under active federal investigation. Shauntel Hudson has since filed to delay custody proceedings, and both parents agreed the teen should temporarily live with another relative while the investigation continues. Mother Says She Learned of Daughter’s Death Online The tragedy deepened after Anna’s biological mother, Heather Wright, told CNN that she first learned of her daughter’s death when she searched online. “I ended up Googling it, because the only information I had was that my daughter was on a cruise,” she said, describing the shock of discovering news reports before receiving direct communication from authorities. Community Honors Anna’s Life Friends, classmates, and family members gathered Thursday at a Titusville church for a memorial service. Anna, who was set to graduate next year, was remembered for her bright spirit, close friendships, and love for cheerleading. Mourners were encouraged to wear bright colors “in honor of Anna’s bright and beautiful soul.” The investigation into her death remains ongoing, and federal authorities have not announced charges. More information is expected as autopsy findings and federal case documents are finalized.
https://saludastandard-sentinel.com/florida-teen-found-dead-on-carnival-cruise-16-year-old-stepbrother-identified-as-suspect-in-court-records/
Florida Teen Found Dead on Carnival Cruise; 16-Year-Old Stepbrother Identified as Suspect in Court Records
