Step-sibling of cheerleader found dead on Carnival cruise may face charges: Filing
The FBI is investigating the death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner.
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Teen’s death aboard Carnival cruise ship under investigationAn 18-year-old high school senior died aboard a Carnival cruise ship. Detectives are reviewing video from the ship and interviewing passengers as the victim’s family searches for answers.
A minor may face criminal charges in connection with the death of Anna Kepner aboard a Carnival Horizon cruise ship, according to a new filing in an unrelated family court matter.
The 18-year-old cheerleader from Titusville, Florida, was found dead earlier this month aboard the Horizon and, according to the Monday filing, one of her step-siblings could face charges.
The court filing stated the FBI is conducting an investigation “arising out of the sudden death of 18 year old Anna Kepner.” The Miami-Dade medical examiner has not specified a cause or manner of her death.
Shauntel Hudson — Kepner’s stepmother, who was also on the cruise along with her children and Kepner’s father — requested a delay in her custody hearing because one of her minor children may face criminal charges, according to the filing.
The family of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, who was reported dead while aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship on Saturday, says they will remember her as a happy, bubbly, straight-A student with a bright future ahead.
Kepner family
“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 stated. “Any testimony the Respondent may give, either written or oral, could be prejudicial to her or her adolescent child in this pending criminal investigation, therefore the Respondent cannot be compelled to testify.”
The FBI declined to comment.
Details surrounding Kepner’s death have not been released.
The teen was reported dead while aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship on Nov. 8. The ship, which was on a route from Miami to the Caribbean, returned to Miami that same day.
Following her death, Carnival Cruise Line said in a statement, “Our focus is on supporting the family of our guest and cooperating with the FBI.”
ABC News has reached out to Kepner’s family for comment but has not heard back.
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