Teen Charged in Cruise Ship Death of Cheerleader

In November, Anna Kepner, an 18-year-old cheerleader from Florida, was discovered dead in her cabin aboard a cruise ship. Recently, court documents revealed that her 16-year-old stepbrother has been charged with her murder, and her family is calling for justice.

The family’s social media disclosed that on February 3, 2026, the stepbrother, referred to as “TH” in legal filings due to his age, was indicted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. A filing by Thomas Hudson, TH’s biological father, indicated his connection to the murder case.

An attorney’s statement noted, “I know Anna fought. It’s tough,” as the family navigates these harrowing allegations amidst a custody dispute involving Hudson and Shawntel Kepner, TH’s mother. Hudson is fighting for custody of his 9-year-old daughter who currently lives with Shawntel and Anna’s biological father, Christopher Kepner.

The legal petition mentioned a significant shift in circumstances that justified Hudson’s request for immediate sole custody. The ongoing murder investigation appears to be unfolding alongside this family conflict.

To clarify the relationships:

• Anna Kepner — The deceased cheerleader, found dead in a cruise ship cabin.
• T.H. — Anna’s stepbrother charged with her murder; his name is kept confidential due to his minor status.
• Christopher Kepner — Anna’s biological father, married to Shawntel.
• Shawntel Kepner — TH’s biological mother and Christopher’s wife.
• Thomas Hudson — TH’s father, seeking custody of his other daughter.

On February 20, the Kepner family expressed their desire to “bury” Anna’s stepbrother following the news of his charges. Court documents revealed that both his mother and Christopher Kepner have not seen him since the alleged incident unfolded after the cruise.

Additionally, the family’s communications indicated a wish to “put the nail in the coffin” regarding this chapter of their lives as they seek closure.

Currently, the lawsuit against TH is sealed and is being overseen by a federal judge in Miami. He appeared in court on February 6.

Despite requests for comments from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI, no responses have been received.

Anna traveled on the Carnival Horizon for a six-day Caribbean cruise, accompanied by her grandparents, father, stepmother, brother, and stepbrother. Following the cruise, she was found deceased on November 7, wrapped in a blanket and wearing a life jacket.

Reports indicate that her cause of death may have been asphyxiation, with visible marks on her neck. Investigations revealed she was found under the bed in the room shared with TH, and the FBI is currently looking into the circumstances surrounding her death.

Her family described Anna as a dedicated student aiming to join the U.S. Navy after graduation, with aspirations of becoming a police officer.

In her obituary, she was remembered as a Christian whose faith and smile brought joy to those around her.