A 16-year-old boy is under scrutiny for his potential involvement in the tragic death of his stepsister, Anna Kepner, on a Carnival cruise ship. This development emerged during a custody hearing in Florida where the attorney for the boy’s father, Thomas Hudson, suggested the possibility of the teen testifying about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
At the hearing, attorney Scott Smith acknowledged the complexities of involving the teenager in an ongoing custody battle with his ex-wife, Shauntel Hudson, but indicated that his testimony might be necessary. Anna Kepner’s body was discovered under a bed by a housekeeper aboard the Carnival Horizon earlier this month, leading to a police investigation into her death.
Preliminary reports suggest that Kepner may have died from strangulation after an altercation, potentially involving alcohol. Law enforcement sources previously indicated that a confrontation may have occurred between Kepner and her stepsibling. The ongoing custody dispute centers on their three shared children, including the 16-year-old, and his testimony could provide important context regarding Anna’s death and support Thomas Hudson’s custody claims against Shauntel.
While the FBI is investigating the case, they have not publicly confirmed whether the 16-year-old is officially regarded as a suspect. During the hearing, Thomas Hudson’s attorney revealed that the teenager had been hospitalized after returning to Port Miami on November 8 and is currently staying with a relative in Florida.
Shauntel Hudson’s attorney, Millicent Athanason, expressed her concerns about placing the minor on the stand, fearing it might lead to self-incrimination. Judge Michelle Studstill noted that a separate hearing would be necessary to address any potential testimony from the minor, suggesting that he may choose to invoke his Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination.
The court has set a date for an in-person hearing regarding the boy’s testimony for December 5. Both sides are preparing to call various witnesses, including possible subpoenas for an FBI investigator and Kepner’s father, Christopher Kepner.
The case has left a family grappling with grief and raised questions about safety onboard cruise ships. Investigators are working diligently, reviewing surveillance footage and analyzing electronic records to uncover the truth surrounding Anna’s untimely death. With the ongoing investigation, there is a cautious hope that clarity may soon be achieved for all involved, particularly for Anna’s grieving family.