The BareStory
The FBI is investigating the death of Anna Kepner, an 18-year-old from Florida, who was found deceased in her cabin aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship on November 7. Kepner was traveling with her father, stepmother, and several siblings. As of late November, the medical examiner had not released a cause or manner of death, and no arrests had been made.
According to a law enforcement source and another person familiar with the case, a stepsibling is being investigated for possible involvement. Family members also believe Kepner's 16-year-old stepbrother is a suspect, according to court filings. A housekeeper reportedly found Kepner's body under a bed in her stateroom. Citing unnamed sources, one report stated her remains were found wrapped in a blanket. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage, cellphone records, and electronic room key data.
Details of the investigation emerged through court documents related to a custody dispute between Kepner's stepmother, Shauntel Kepner, and her ex-husband, Thomas Hudson. In a motion to delay a hearing, Shauntel Kepner’s lawyer cited the active criminal investigation and her client's right against self-incrimination for herself or her children. In a separate filing, Hudson alleged that their 16-year-old son is a suspect.
Hudson's filing stated that the 16-year-old had been released from custody and was with an unnamed third party. Carnival Cruise Line said it is cooperating with the FBI, which has jurisdiction over the case as it occurred in international waters. The cruise line also reported that the FBI has advised there is no related safety threat aboard the ship.
How it may affect me
As a U.S. reader:
• The FBI has advised there is no ongoing safety threat related to this incident, a key detail for anyone planning or taking a cruise.
• This case clarifies that the FBI investigates serious crimes involving U.S. citizens that occur in international waters, not foreign or local authorities.
• As the investigation is ongoing with no official cause of death, any potential long-term changes to cruise line safety protocols remain speculative at this time.
