A 16-year-old stepbrother of 18-year-old Anna Kepner has been formally charged with homicide in connection with her death aboard a Carnival cruise ship last November, according to court documents filed in a separate family custody dispute. The charges, handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Florida, remain under seal due to the suspect’s minor status, but details have emerged through emergency filings and family statements.

Anna Kepner, a high school senior and cheerleader from тιтusville, was found ᴅᴇᴀᴅ November 7, 2025, in a stateroom on the Carnival Horizon during a family vacation. Housekeeping discovered her body under the bed in the cabin she shared with her stepbrother. A death certificate obtained by media outlets listed the cause as “mechanical asphyxia” by another person(s), with investigators determining she died from a bar hold—an arm pressed across the neck—resulting in two bruises on the side of her neck. The FBI leads the investigation, classifying the death as homicide.

The stepbrother, identified in court papers only by initials “T.H.” to protect his idenтιтy as a juvenile, was named a suspect shortly after the incident. He and Anna shared the room on the cruise, which included her father Chris Kepner, stepmother Shauntel Hudson (the teen’s biological mother), and other step-siblings. Sources told CBS News that alcohol consumption may have played a role, as the ship was in international waters where drinking age rules differ from U.S. law.

On February 3, 2026, federal prosecutors filed charges against the teen for homicide and one additional redacted offense. The development surfaced publicly through an emergency motion filed February 20 in Brevard County family court by Thomas Hudson, the biological father of the accused teen and a younger sibling. Hudson peтιтioned for sole custody of his 9-year-old daughter, citing safety concerns after the alleged expulsion of his son from the Kepner household immediately following the cruise.

The filing states: “According to social media from the Kepner family, on February 3, 2026, the Peтιтioner/Father’s son, TH, was charged by the United States Attorney in the Southern District of Florida for the [redacted] and homicide of Anna Kepner.” It further alleges that the Kepner family and Shauntel Hudson “want him buried” and seek “nails in the coffin,” framing the custody battle amid heightened family tensions.

Hudson is reportedly providing legal support for his son’s criminal defense, as noted in the documents. The teen has not been publicly named or arraigned in open court, consistent with juvenile protections. A sealed federal case appeared on a Miami magistrate judge’s docket February 6, with the teen observed entering and exiting the courthouse, though media access was restricted.

The FBI’s probe has focused on the shared cabin dynamics. Law enforcement sources previously indicated belief in an altercation leading to strangulation, with alcohol potentially contributing to impaired judgment. No motive has been publicly detailed, and the investigation continues. Carnival Cruise Line cooperated fully, providing security footage and witness statements.

Anna’s family has mourned publicly, sharing pH๏τos of the vibrant teen and calling for justice. Her death certificate confirmed homicide, ruling out accident or suicide. The case has drawn scrutiny to cruise ship safety protocols, particularly regarding minors, alcohol access in international waters, and family vacation risks.

Custody proceedings add layers of complexity. Hudson’s motion seeks to remove his daughter from the Kepner home, arguing imminent danger, while the stepmother’s side maintains no threat exists to other children. The filings highlight fractured relationships post-tragedy, with accusations of bias and vengeance on social media.

Legal experts note that federal jurisdiction applies due to the crime occurring on the high seas, under U.S. admiralty law. Charging a minor federally is rare but possible for serious offenses like homicide. The case may proceed in juvenile proceedings or, if waived, as an adult—though no waiver has been reported.

Community response in тιтusville has been one of grief and shock. Anna was remembered as outgoing, dedicated to cheerleading, and excited about her future. Vigils and online tributes continue, with supporters urging accountability.