FBI investigators are reportedly preparing criminal charges against a minor stepsibling in connection with the shocking death of 18-year-old Florida cheerleader Anna Kepner, whose body was discovered hidden under a bed aboard a Carnival cruise ship.
Story Overview
- Criminal charges may be filed against Kepner’s minor stepsibling, according to court documents.
- The teen’s body was found by housekeeping staff under her stateroom bed on Carnival Horizon.
- FBI is analyzing surveillance footage and electronic card data to determine who entered her cabin.
- Family reported Kepner felt ill the night before and didn’t appear for breakfast the next morning.
Court Filing Reveals Criminal Investigation Focus
A divorce proceeding involving Kepner’s stepmother, Shauntel Hudson, has exposed the FBI’s criminal investigation direction. Hudson’s attorneys filed an emergency motion to reschedule a hearing, stating that FBI investigators informed her that “a criminal case may be initiated” against one of her minor children.
The filing describes an “extremely sensitive and severe circumstance” preventing Hudson from testifying at the scheduled hearing, indicating the gravity of the situation facing the blended family.
Stepsibling of Florida cheerleader found dead on Carnival cruise being eyed by feds: court docs https://t.co/2sRTzAGKBN pic.twitter.com/DYTtcmNCyK
— New York Post (@nypost) November 19, 2025
Discovery Aboard Carnival Horizon Shocks Family
Kepner was traveling with her father, stepmother, and three stepsiblings on what should have been a Caribbean family vacation when tragedy struck. The 18-year-old cheerleader told family members she wasn’t feeling well the night before her death and returned to her stateroom.
When she failed to appear for breakfast the following morning, family members launched a frantic search. A housekeeper discovered Kepner’s body concealed under the bed in her cabin as the Carnival Horizon headed back to Miami, docking on November 8, 2025.
Federal Investigation Examines Digital Evidence
Law enforcement sources confirm that FBI investigators are meticulously reviewing surveillance video from throughout the ship and analyzing electronic swipe card data that could reveal who accessed Kepner’s stateroom.
The investigation extends to examining the teenager’s cellphone records for potential clues about her final hours.
FBI agents and ship security personnel are conducting comprehensive interviews with passengers, crew members, and Kepner’s family members to piece together the events leading to her death.
Carnival Cooperation as Federal Case Develops
Carnival Cruise Line issued a statement confirming full cooperation with the federal investigation, which falls under FBI jurisdiction because Kepner was a U.S. citizen and her death occurred in international waters.
The Miami FBI office is working closely with Carnival security teams to ensure thorough evidence collection and witness interviews.
Despite the ongoing investigation, Carnival stated that the FBI has confirmed there is no related safety threat to passengers aboard the ship’s current voyage, though this tragic case raises serious questions about security protocols and family dynamics aboard cruise vessels.
