The investigation into the tragic death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner is intensifying. This case involves a stepsibling of Kepner, who was found deceased aboard a Carnival cruise ship. The cruise took place earlier this month, and authorities are now considering criminal charges against one of her minor siblings.
Details of the Incident
Anna Kepner, a high school cheerleader from Florida, was on a family vacation in the Caribbean. She traveled with her father, stepmother, and three stepsiblings. The incident occurred aboard the Carnival Horizon as the ship was returning to Miami on November 8.
During the cruise, Kepner reported feeling unwell one night and returned to her stateroom. The following morning, she did not appear for breakfast, prompting a search. Tragically, her body was discovered under the bed in her cabin by a housekeeper.
Investigation Developments
The FBI has become involved due to jurisdictional issues, as Kepner was a U.S. citizen and the death occurred in international waters. According to reports, the FBI is currently analyzing:
- Surveillance video from the cruise ship
- Electronic swipe card data to determine cabin access
- Kepner’s cellphone records
Additionally, agency officials are interviewing passengers, crew members, and family members to gather more information. The investigation is extensive, with Carnival Cruise Line fully cooperating with local and federal authorities.
Legal Proceedings
In a recent court filing, Kepner’s stepmother, Shauntel Hudson, mentioned receiving information from the FBI about the possibility of criminal charges. The motion aims to reschedule a divorce hearing due to “an extremely sensitive and severe circumstance.” Hudson’s inability to testify at the upcoming hearings has raised additional questions.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on uncovering the circumstances surrounding Anna Kepner’s tragic death. Authorities are working diligently to bring clarity to the situation.
