Teenager Charged in Carnival Cruise Ship Homicide of Stepsister

Anna Kepner's 16-year-old stepbrother reportedly arrested and charged in her death aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A 16-year-old teenager has been charged with the homicide of his 15-year-old stepsister Anna Kepner, who died aboard a Carnival Cruise ship during a family vacation last November. The stepbrother was reportedly arrested by U.S. Marshals and appeared before a judge in a closed-door hearing, though details of the case remain sealed due to the stepbrother's juvenile status.

Why it matters

Cruise ship deaths are extremely rare, and this case raises troubling questions about safety and security protocols on major cruise lines. The alleged involvement of a family member also adds a tragic personal dimension to the incident.

The details

According to court documents, Anna Kepner was found dead underneath her bed in her stateroom aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship. The ship returned to Miami, Florida the next day as the FBI launched an investigation. The stepbrother has now been charged with Anna's homicide, though the specific details of the incident and the charges have been sealed due to his juvenile status.

  • Anna Kepner died on November 7, 2025 aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship.
  • The stepbrother was arrested by U.S. Marshals and appeared before a judge in early February 2026.

The players

Anna Kepner

A 15-year-old girl who died aboard a Carnival Cruise ship during a family vacation.

Anna Kepner's Stepbrother

A 16-year-old teenager who has been charged with the homicide of his stepsister Anna Kepner.

Thomas Hudson

The father of Anna Kepner's stepbrother, who has filed an emergency custody filing regarding his other stepchild.

Shauntel Kepner

The mother of Anna Kepner and involved in the custody dispute with Thomas Hudson.

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What they’re saying

“According to social media from the Kepner family ... 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 (Court Documents)

What’s next

The judge in the custody case between Thomas Hudson and Shauntel Kepner will decide on Tuesday whether to grant Hudson sole custody of the other stepsibling.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the need for enhanced safety and security protocols on cruise ships, especially when minors are involved. It also underscores the importance of thorough background checks and monitoring of family members traveling together to prevent such devastating outcomes.