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Titusville Today
By the People, for the People
Stepbrother of Anna Kepner Appears in Federal Court Months After Teen's Death on Carnival Cruise Ship
The 16-year-old was taken by U.S. Marshals to appear before a federal judge in Miami on Friday in a closed-door hearing.
Published on Feb. 6, 2026
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The 16-year-old stepbrother of Anna Kepner, an 18-year-old who was found dead under a bed on a Carnival Cruise ship in November 2026, appeared in a federal court in Miami on February 6th. The stepbrother was referred to as a potential suspect in the case, which is being investigated by the FBI since Kepner's death occurred in international waters. Details about any charges or the outcome of the hearing have not been released.
Why it matters
This case has garnered significant attention due to the tragic circumstances surrounding Kepner's death and the involvement of her underage stepbrother, who was previously identified as a suspect. The appearance in federal court raises questions about the progress of the investigation and whether the stepbrother will face any criminal charges.
The details
According to a law enforcement source, the 16-year-old stepbrother was escorted by U.S. Marshals to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, where he and his public defender appeared before a magistrate in a closed-door hearing. While a complaint has not yet been released, court filings in a separate civil custody dispute had previously stated that the stepbrother was the subject of a criminal investigation into Kepner's death, which was ruled as asphyxiation from a bar hold.
- On November 7, 2026, Anna Kepner was found dead under a bed in her room on the Carnival Horizon cruise ship.
- On February 6, 2027, the 16-year-old stepbrother was taken by U.S. Marshals to appear in federal court in Miami.
The players
Anna Kepner
An 18-year-old from Titusville, Florida who was found dead under a bed in her room on the Carnival Horizon cruise ship.
The 16-year-old stepbrother
The stepbrother of Anna Kepner, who was referred to as a potential suspect in the investigation into Kepner's death.
Christopher Kepner
The father of Anna Kepner, who said he wants the stepbrother to "face the consequences" and that he will be "fighting to make sure that does happen."
Shauntel Hudson
The stepmother of Anna Kepner and the mother of the 16-year-old stepbrother.
Thomas Hudson
The father of the 16-year-old stepbrother.
What they’re saying
“He was a normal kid. And I would've never thought that any of this would've happened.”
— Christopher Kepner, Anna Kepner's father (PEOPLE)
“I want him to face the consequences. I will be fighting to make sure that does happen.”
— Christopher Kepner, Anna Kepner's father (PEOPLE)
What’s next
The judge will decide whether to allow the 16-year-old stepbrother to be released on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights the complex and tragic circumstances surrounding the death of Anna Kepner, with her underage stepbrother being identified as a potential suspect. The appearance in federal court raises questions about the progress of the investigation and whether the stepbrother will face any criminal charges.
