Anna Kepner's Stepbrother Sent to Stay with Relatives Due to Safety Concerns Following Cruise Ship Tragedy

The stepbrother of Anna Kepner, whose death is under FBI investigation, has been sent to live with a relative at a confidential location, according to his mother, Shauntel Kepner. She explained that the move was made to "eliminate any potential danger to the other children in the household."

Shauntel's lawyer indicated that criminal charges related to Anna's death could be forthcoming, though it remains uncertain whether state or federal prosecutors would pursue the case.

The 16-year-old stepbrother is staying with relatives while authorities continue their investigation. Shauntel Kepner appeared in court on December 5 for a custody hearing, where her attorney stated that she and her husband, Christopher Kepner, decided to relocate the teenager to ensure the safety of other children in the home.

During the hearing, Shauntel described the close relationship between Anna, her stepbrother, and her 14-year-old half-brother, noting that they shared a room during a Carnival Horizon cruise from November 2 to November 9. The court appearance followed an emergency custody motion filed by Shauntel's ex-husband, Thomas Hudson, after Anna was found asphyxiated under a bed in the cabin she shared with her stepbrother.

No arrests have been made, and officials have not named a suspect. Shauntel's attorney, Millicent Athanason, suggested charges could be filed, adding that the FBI is evaluating whether the case should be handled by state or local authorities. An FBI spokesperson declined to comment.

Athanason confirmed in court that the teenager, previously a suspect, was placed with a relative after returning from the hospital. Legal documents obtained by authorities indicate that he remains under the care of a third party with power of attorney, and his whereabouts are known only to his parents and law enforcement.

Anna Kepner was discovered dead in her cabin on the Carnival Horizon on the morning of November 7, as the ship returned to Miami. Her death certificate listed "mechanical asphyxiation by other person(s)" as the cause, and her death has been officially ruled a homicide. Nearly a month later, no charges have been filed.

During the custody hearing, Judge Michelle Studstill denied Thomas Hudsons emergency motion. Thomas is scheduled to return to court on December 17 for a contempt hearing after alleging that his ex-wife took their children abroad without his permission and interfered with custody exchanges, leading to a recent verbal dispute. Previously, Thomas had been allowed to spend time with his youngest daughter on Thanksgiving, marking the first visit in over a year.

Author: Lucas Grant