FBI Investigates Death of Cheerleader on carnival Cruise, Potential Juvenile Implication
A Carnival cruise vacation turned tragic earlier this month with the unexplained death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, sparking an FBI investigation and raising the possibility of criminal charges against a minor, according to recent court filings. The case, unfolding aboard the Carnival Horizon, has drawn intense scrutiny on social media and prompted a wave of speculation as authorities continue to piece together the events leading to Kepner’s death.
As of Wednesday,november 15,no criminal charges have been filed in connection with the incident. A final autopsy report from the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner’s office, which will detail the cause and manner of death, remains pending.
The investigation gained significant momentum after a court filing on Monday revealed the FBI’s involvement and the potential implication of a minor.The documents stemmed from a dissolution of marriage case involving Thomas Hudson and Shauntel Hudson, with Shauntel Hudson described as being in a relationship with Kepner’s father. Kepner was traveling on the cruise with Shauntel Hudson and her children.
“The FBI does not provide operational updates about ongoing investigations,” a spokesperson for the agency stated, declining to comment further on the specifics of the case.
the filing indicated that an attorney for Shauntel Hudson filed an emergency motion to delay a scheduled hearing, citing “the sudden death” of Kepner. According to the motion, Hudson “has been advised through discussions with FBI investigators and her attorneys, that a criminal case might potentially be initiated against one of the minor children.”
Hudson’s legal counsel argued that compelling her to testify could be detrimental, as her testimony “could be prejudicial to her or her adolescent child in this pending criminal investigation.” Attempts to reach Hudson for comment via email and phone were unsuccessful as of Wednesday. Her attorney has also not yet responded to inquiries.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, which the FBI indicated would be responsible for filing any potential charges, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A memorial service for Kepner is scheduled for Thursday, November 16. Her family has requested that attendees wear colorful attire, “in honor of Anna’s shining and gorgeous soul,” rather than traditional mourning clothes.
Kepner’s obituary highlighted her love for the water and noted her plans to graduate next year from Temple Christian School in Titusville, Florida, located 40 miles east of Orlando on Florida’s Space Coast. The Carnival Horizon, capable of accommodating nearly 4,000 guests, completed its voyage to the Caribbean and returned to portmiami on November 8, cooperating with the FBI Miami office throughout the investigation.
The unfolding investigation underscores the complexities of maritime crim
