New court filings suggest that a minor may face criminal charges in connection with the death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, a Titusville cheerleader who was found dead earlier this month aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship.
Carnival Horizon Death Nov 2025: Anna Kepner’s Stepbrother May Face Criminal Charges in Aboard Cruise Ship Incident
The revelation emerged Monday in an unrelated family court case, where Kepner’s stepmother, Shauntel Hudson, requested a delay in an ongoing custody matter. According to the filing, one of her minor children—who was aboard the cruise with Hudson, Kepner’s father, and Kepner herself—may face prosecution.
“The Respondent has been advised through discussions with FBI investigators and her attorneys, that a criminal case may be initiated against one of the minor children of this instant action,” the filing states. It further notes that Hudson cannot be compelled to testify because her statements “could be prejudicial to her or her adolescent child in this pending criminal investigation.”
The FBI, which has jurisdiction because the cruise ship was traveling between Cozumel and Miami, declined to comment on the investigation.
Death Aboard the Carnival Horizon
Kepner was found dead on November 8 while the Carnival Horizon was en route back to Miami. The ship had recently delivered hurricane relief supplies in Jamaica and completed tourism stops in Grand Cayman and Cozumel.
Passengers were reportedly asked to vacate their cabins earlier than usual when the ship docked in Miami, according to accounts published by Cruise Blog.
The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner has not yet confirmed a cause or manner of death, and authorities have released few details about the circumstances.
Carnival Cruise Line issued a statement following the incident saying, “Our focus is on supporting the family of our guest and cooperating with the FBI.”
A Promising Young Life Cut Short
Anna Kepner was set to graduate in May and planned to join the military after high school. She attended Temple Christian School in Titusville, where she was both a gymnast and a varsity cheerleader. Photos shared online show her Kia Forte covered in flowers placed by friends mourning her loss.
Investigation Continues
The FBI investigation is ongoing. No charges have been publicly announced, and officials have not disclosed what may have transpired aboard the ship prior to Kepner’s death.
