Stepbrother Charged with Homicide in Cruise Ship Death of Florida Teen

Anna Kepner, 18, died during a family cruise on the Carnival Horizon in November 2026.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A 16-year-old stepbrother of Anna Kepner has been charged with homicide as a minor in the death of the Florida teen, who was found dead aboard a Carnival cruise ship during a family vacation in November 2026, according to court documents obtained by CBS News.

Why it matters

The death of Anna Kepner on a cruise ship has raised concerns about passenger safety and security, as well as the handling of criminal investigations in international waters. The charges against her stepbrother also highlight the complex family dynamics that can play a role in such tragic incidents.

The details

According to the court documents, the stepbrother, who is not being named because he is a minor, appeared in federal court in Miami on February 6 for a hearing, but the case is currently under seal. Federal charges against a minor are typically kept under seal due to protections for minors under the law. Investigators believe Kepner may have been strangled during an altercation and that the suspect may have been using alcohol.

  • Anna Kepner, 18, was on a Caribbean cruise with her family on the Carnival Horizon in November 2026 when she was found dead.
  • On February 3, 2026, the stepbrother was charged with homicide as a minor in Kepner's death.
  • On February 6, 2026, the stepbrother appeared in federal court in Miami for a hearing, but the case is currently under seal.

The players

Anna Kepner

An 18-year-old Florida resident who died aboard a Carnival cruise ship in November 2026.

TH (stepbrother)

A 16-year-old stepbrother of Anna Kepner who has been charged with homicide as a minor in her death.

Thomas Hudson

The father of Anna Kepner's stepbrother, who is involved in an ongoing custody dispute with Shauntel Kepner, Anna's stepmother.

Shauntel Kepner

The stepmother of Anna Kepner, who is involved in an ongoing custody dispute with Thomas Hudson, the father of Anna's stepbrother.

Beth Bloom

A Miami federal judge who is overseeing the case against Anna Kepner's stepbrother.

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What they’re saying

“According to social media from the Kepner family, on February 3, 2026, the Petitioner/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.”

— Thomas Hudson, Father of Anna Kepner's stepbrother

“If it's a juvenile you won't know until he's charged as an adult.”

— Dave Aronberg, Former Palm Beach state attorney (CBS News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether or not to allow the stepbrother out on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the complex family dynamics and security concerns that can arise on cruise ships, as well as the challenges of investigating crimes that occur in international waters. It underscores the need for improved passenger safety protocols and thorough investigations to ensure justice is served.