Anna Kepner – 18 years old
Titusville, Florida
Died aboard Carnival Horizon

Anna Marie Kepner was born on June 13, 2007, to Christopher Purcell Kepner and Heather Marie Wright. Christopher and Heather divorced when Anna was five years old, in 2012. As her family changed over time, Anna was raised with the help of her long time stepmother, Tabitha Lynn Harper, who became a central parental figure throughout most of her childhood.

Anna attended several schools in Titusville. She began at Titusville High School, where she was a varsity cheerleader, then transferred to Astronaut High School, and later joined Temple Christian School, where she completed her senior year. She was known as bright, outgoing, and active in school and community life.

Anna hoped to join the United States Navy after graduation and dreamed of becoming a K 9 police officer. She was deeply connected to her faith and was supported by a strong circle of friends, teachers, and family.

In November 2025, Anna was traveling with her father, her younger siblings, stepbrother and her father’s partner, Shauntel Hudson, on the Carnival Horizon cruise. Her sudden death onboard led to an ongoing federal investigation. She is remembered by her school and community as a kind and ambitious young woman with a clear vision for her future.

Anna Emotional and Personal Reflections August to October 2025:

August 1, 2025

• Anna posts about her strained relationship with her biological mother Source: fl.anna18.
• Anna makes a public TikTok post describing emotional distance from her biological mother and referring to her struggles with addiction.
• She states that her mother was incarcerated at the time of the post.
• In the caption, Anna thanks her stepmother for stepping up and being the mother figure she felt she did not have.

August 20, 2025

• TikTok post thanking her stepmother, father, and grandparents Anna posts a slideshow expressing gratitude to the family members who supported and raised her. Source: fl.anna18
• She thanks her stepmother for stepping up as a parental figure and helping her through significant life events.
• She highlights her father’s involvement and includes multiple “Thanks dad” captions.
• She also thanks her grandparents, identified as “Memaw and Pepaw.”
• The post demonstrates her emotional closeness to her father’s side of the family.

October 26, 2025

• TikTok post reflecting on past emotional struggles: Anna posts a reflective message about past relationships, manipulation, and emotional hurt. Source: fl.anna18.
• She writes about being lied to, cheated on, used, manipulated, and played.
• Anna says she is upset but not angry, and believes people make mistakes.
• She says the experiences helped her understand what she does not want in her life.
• She ends by hoping others learn from their behavior so they do not treat anyone else that way.

Cruise Timeline Overview – Final Days at Sea November 2 to November 7, 2025

November 2, 2025 – Departed on Carnival Horizon

• 3:30 PM: The family boarded the Carnival Horizon in Miami for a 6-night Western Caribbean cruise. According to itineraries, the ship departed at approximately 3:30 PM with a scheduled return to Miami on Saturday, November 8, 2025.  Source
• Family boards and settles into Stateroom 8367
•  Ship begins six night Western Caribbean itinerary. Visited ports including:
• Ocho Rios (Jamaica),
• George Town (Grand Cayman),
• Cozumel (Mexico)
• Anna, 18, was sharing the Carnival Horizon stateroom with two younger siblings, described as her 14 year old brother and 16 year old stepbrother.

November 3, 2025 

• Day at Sea. No port stops.
• Passengers remain on the Horizon as it heads south toward Jamaica.
• Typical sea day activities: pools, dining, deck entertainment, evening shows.

November 4, 2025

• Port of Call – Ocho Rios, Jamaica
• Scheduled arrival: 9:00 AM
• Scheduled departure: 5:00 PM
• Passengers have eight hours in port for excursions such as Dunn’s River Falls and local tours.
• Ship departs in early evening for Grand Cayman.

November 5, 2025

• Port of Call – George Town, Grand Cayman
• Scheduled arrival: 8:00 AM
• Scheduled departure: 4:00 PM
• Grand Cayman is a tender port, meaning passengers are transported to shore via small tender boats.
• Ship sets sail for Cozumel overnight.
  

Events Leading to Anna’s Death:

November 6, 2025

• 10:30 AM Scheduled arrival: Port of Call – Cozumel, Mexico.
• 6:30 PM Scheduled departure: This is the last port of the trip.
• Evening: Ship begins final sea day, heading back toward Florida.
• Dinner: Anna left dinner early that night, telling family she felt unwell, and returned to the cabin to rest. She later returned to join the family at the casino before going back to her cabin.
• Anna, 18, was sharing the Carnival Horizon stateroom with two younger siblings, described as her 14 year old brother and 16 year old stepbrother.
• The two boys returned later in the evening.
• The younger brother reportedly changed his clothes and left again to take photos of the ship during the Caribbean sailing.
• When he returned, he did not see Anna in her bed, but believed she had gone out again with the adults.
• Surveillance footage reportedly captured Anna returning to her cabin that night, with no footage of her exiting again.

November 7, 2025 (Friday, approximate time)

• Morning: Christopher Kepner, 41, and stepmom, Shauntel Hudson 36, gathered the family for breakfast the next day there was no sign of Anna.
• Family began searching the ship but it was eventually a maid who stumbled across Anna’s body when she entered the cabin to service
• 11:17 a.m. According to the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner’s Office, Anna’s time of death was recorded at approximately 11:17 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 7.
• At that time she was aboard the Carnival Horizon, en route (cruise in the Caribbean) and not yet returned to port.
• Later: Carnival Issues Official Passenger Advisory Letter Source
  A written notice dated November 7, 2025, is delivered to Stateroom 8367 aboard the Carnival Horizon.
  The letter states:
• Authorities will board the ship immediately upon arrival to conduct an investigation.
• The investigation will take place in the hallway near this stateroom.
• Guests are required to vacate the room by 7:00 a.m. on November 8, 2025 the following morning due to expected noise and disruption.
• Guests are instructed to report to Meridian DR annex, Deck 4 Starboard side for breakfast.
• Carnival arranged for these guests to debark ahead of other passengers.

Investigation and Legal Filings Timeline:

November 8, 2025 

• The Carnival Horizon docked in PortMiami the next day, after the death was discovered.
• Federal investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Miami office took jurisdiction of the investigation.

November 9, 2025

• Anna’s school Temple Christian School posts a tribute to Anna on Facebook Source

November 10, 2025

• Local news outlets identified Anna Kepner as the deceased passenger, aged 18, a senior at Temple Christian School. Despite her identification, the cause of death was not publicly released at that time.
• Counseling and Community Support: Temple Christian School holds a gathering in honor of Anna and her family. Source
• The school reports that the parking lot was filled with students, staff, families, and community members who came to support one another.
• The school provides Christian counseling for seniors through Live Well Behavioral Health.
• Pastor Jefferies, Pastor Barry, Pastor Porter, and counselors from Live Well Behavioral Health speak and pray with the senior class.

November 14, 2025

• Her family held a celebration of life scheduled for November 20.
• Media coverage emphasized that the family and the community were seeking answers about the circumstances of her death, and that very few details had been shared by authorities.

November 17

• Unofficial Claim: A man identifying himself as Martin Donohue, who states he is Anna’s uncle, posts a public statement on X.
  He alleges that Anna Kepner was killed by her stepmother’s son while on the Carnival Horizon cruise.  Source
  According to his post, Anna was:
• Beaten
• Naked
• Wrapped in a sheet
• Stuffed under a bed
• Covered with life jackets
• 1:54 PM Emergency Motion for Temporary Relief (Filed by Thomas Hudson) Source
  This sworn filing states:
• Shauntel Hudson (Anna’s Stepmother) took their minor children on the cruise with “a step child of her paramour,” referring to Anna.
• The sixteen-year-old child of Thomas and Shauntel “is now a suspect in the death of the step child during the cruise.”
• The sixteen-year-old was taken into custody and later released , and is currently living with a third party.
• The adult child of Thomas and Shauntel reported a violent altercation involving himself, Shauntel, and her paramour (Christopher).
• Thomas alleges Shauntel denied his parenting time and placed the children at risk.
• 4:39 PM: Official Court Filing Confirms FBI Criminal Investigation Involving a Minor From the Cruise. Source: Official court filing, Brevard County, Case No. 2024-DR-52505  Source
  An Emergency Motion for Continuance is filed in Brevard County Circuit Court by attorney Millicent B. Athanason on behalf of Shauntel Hudson.
  The filing states:
• The FBI is actively investigating the “sudden death of eighteen year old Anna Kepner,” who was “found deceased on November 9, 2025, on a Carnival Cruise.”
• The Respondent, her minor children, and her paramour (Anna’s father) were all present on the cruise.
• The FBI has advised that a criminal case may be initiated against one of the minor children who was on the ship at the time of the death.
• The mother is invoking her constitutional protection against self incrimination.
• The attorney requests that civil hearings be postponed until the criminal investigation is complete.
• A stipulation is signed on or about November 17, placing Timothy H., with a relative of the mother. The filing states that this placement was made to ensure the safety of the youngest child of the parties and the safety of the remaining child of the stepfather. It further notes that the father is believed to have retained legal counsel for T. H. in connection with the alleged incident involving T. H. and the death of the stepfather’s child, Anna Kepner.  Source
• Legal impact: First confirmed court document indicating:
• FBI views the death as potentially criminal
• A specific minor from the cruise is being treated as a possible suspect
• The mother cannot testify due to criminal exposure

November 18, 2025

• 10:18 PM: Shauntel Hudson files a formal Response to the Father’s Emergency Motion in Brevard County.  Source
• The filing confirms that T. H., the sixteen-year-old child, is a suspect in the death of Anna Kepner, the biological daughter of Shauntel’s partner.
• The mother states that both parties signed a stipulation around November 17 for T. H. to live with a relative of the mother for safety reasons.
• The response confirms there is an open FBI investigation involving T. H. and the cruise ship death.
• The filing says the Department of Children and Families has an open investigation into the father for alleged domestic violence toward the two youngest children.

November 19, 2025

• Interview with biological mother Heather Kepner. Heather shared memories of her daughter, describing Anna as joyful, compassionate, and full of life.  Source
• In an interview, she said Anna was “always happy” and spoke about her daughter’s love of horseback riding and cheerleading.
• Heather recalled the day Anna’s younger brother was born, saying Anna held him for the first time and refused to put him down because she loved him so much.
• She described Anna as an easy child who rarely complained and was always smiling when they were together.
• Anna began dancing and gymnastics at the age of three. She later became a cheerleader when she entered high school.
• Anna’s biological mother, Heather, was banned from attending the funeral due to tension among family members because of the investigation involving the stepbrother. She planned to attend anyway in disguise, wearing a wig and tall shoes. Source

November 20, 2025

• Morning: Remote Court Hearing Confirms Suspect Status. During a remote court hearing held online Thursday morning, attorney Scott Smith, representing Thomas Hudson, stated to the judge: “The older child, who is approximately 16 years of age, is a suspect in the death of the stepchild.” Source
• Thomas Hudson’s side claimed that the 16-year-old was allowed to drink on the cruise because it was in international waters, and that Shauntel Kepner was not exercising appropriate supervision.
• Shauntel’s attorney disputed the claims of drinking, asserting that videotapes from the ship and a DCF investigation confirmed there was no alcohol consumption or alcohol in the mother’s home.
• The custody dispute was not resolved in the hearing and was postponed for a future date.
• Shauntel Kepner indicated her 16-year-old son “has a psychiatrist appointment” early next month, but did not elaborate after the judge cautioned the mother not to speak without first seeking advice from her attorney.
• The 16-year-old stepbrother was hospitalized for undisclosed reasons after the cruise and is currently living with a relative on his mother’s side of the family as the FBI investigation continues.
• Celebration of Life for Anna Marie Kepner Source
  5:00 PM: A public Celebration of Life service is scheduled at The Grove Church.
  The memorial announcement lists her full name, Anna Marie Kepner, with the dates:
• Born: June 13, 2007
• Died: November 7, 2025
• The family requests that attendees wear colorful attire in honor of her love for shades of blue.

November 21, 2025 – Unconfirmed media report regarding preliminary investigative details Source

• ABC News reports that an unnamed source, described as being directly briefed on the federal investigation, stated that early findings indicated Anna Kepner died from asphyxiation caused by a “bar hold,” described as an arm placed across the neck. Source
• The source also claimed investigators noted two bruises on the side of Anna’s neck consistent with pressure being applied.
• The report further states:
• Preliminary information did not indicate sexual assault
• No drugs or alcohol were detected in the initial review
• Anna was found under a bed, wrapped in a blanket and covered with life vests
• The FBI did not confirm or comment on these claims, citing the active investigation.
• The Miami Dade Medical Examiner has not released an autopsy or toxicology report.
• Status: This information has not been confirmed by law enforcement or medical officials. It remains a media sourced claim and should not be considered official until supported by released investigative documents.

November 22, 2025 – ABC News Grandparents Interview: Source

Barbara and Jeffrey Kepner – The grandparents describe the cruise as a long planned family trip involving three generations using three staterooms. They recall that Anna had seemed happy throughout the beginning of the trip and had been enjoying time with her siblings and cousins. During the interview, the grandparents state:

• The family was told by authorities that the sixteen year old stepbrother is considered a suspect in her death.
• They were informed that ship security footage showed the stepbrother as “the only one seen going in and the only one seen going out” of the stateroom shared by the teens.
• The family was told by investigators that Anna apparently died from asphyxiation, possibly involving a bar hold. These details have not been confirmed by the FBI or the Medical Examiner.
• Preliminary information given to the family indicated no signs of sexual assault and no drugs or alcohol in Anna’s system, but autopsy and toxicology have not been released.
• The grandparents describe the last time they saw Anna alive. At dinner she complained that her braces were bothering her and said she would go back to her room to rest. Later that evening she returned dressed up and visited them while they were in the casino. She told them she loved them and said she would see them later.
• On the morning of November 7, the grandparents heard a medical alert over the ship speakers and recognized the stateroom number. When they arrived with Anna’s father, they learned that Anna had been found deceased under the bed in the stateroom, concealed and covered with life vests. The grandparents describe the discovery as devastating and emotionally overwhelming.
• The interview states that the stepbrother was questioned along with the rest of the family and was later hospitalized for psychiatric observation after the ship docked in Miami. He was then released to live with a maternal relative and is receiving counseling.
• The grandparents express grief and confusion and state that they feel they have lost two children, Anna and the stepbrother, due to the circumstances of the investigation. They state that they want answers and justice but do not yet understand why the incident occurred.

November 25, 2025

• 7:13 a.m Subpoena Issued for Christopher Kepner in Ongoing Custody Case – Case: Thomas Hudson v. Shauntel Hudson (05-2024-DR-052505)
• The Petitioner, Thomas Hudson, through attorney Scott Timothy Smith, issues a subpoena for Christopher Kepner to testify in the ongoing custody matter.
• The subpoena is electronically filed on November 25, 2025 at 7:13 a.m.
• Purpose: Compel Christopher Kepner to appear and provide testimony in the December 5 custody hearing before Judge Michelle Pruitt Studstill at the Moore Justice Center in Viera, Florida.
• Hearing Date: December 5, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
• Location: Judge Michelle P. Studstill, Moore Justice Center, 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, Florida.
• 10:00 a.m Court Denies Shauntel Hudson’s Motion for a Non Dissemination Order – Source:
• Shauntel Hudson filed a Motion for a Non Dissemination Order on November 20, 2025, seeking to restrict the release or discussion of information related to the ongoing family court matter and the associated federal investigation.
• Judge Michelle Pruitt Studstill issued a written order denying the motion without prejudice.
• The court found the motion “facially insufficient,” meaning it lacked the required legal basis or factual support to justify restricting information. Because the denial was issued without prejudice, Shauntel Hudson may refile a corrected or more substantial motion in the future.
• This is one of several filings reflecting increased litigation activity by both parents following the events on the Carnival Horizon and the FBI’s involvement.

December 1, 2025 – Psychiatric Appointment for T. H.

• T. H., the sixteen year old identified in multiple court filings as a suspect in the death of Anna Kepner, attends a scheduled psychiatrist appointment on this date. Source
• This appointment occurs between the November 20 remote hearing and the upcoming December 5 custody hearing before Judge Michelle Pruitt Studstill.
• The appointment is part of the ongoing efforts to address the minor’s mental health needs while the FBI investigation remains open.

December 5, 2025 – Upcoming Four Hour Custody Hearing

• Brevard County Circuit Court Judge Michelle Pruitt Studstill has scheduled a four hour hearing for December 5, 2025.
• The hearing will address ongoing child custody issues between Shauntel Hudson and Thomas Hudson, including time sharing, safety concerns, and the placement of the sixteen year old child who has been identified in multiple court filings as a suspect in the death of Anna Kepner.
• This hearing follows the emergency motions filed on November 17 and the remote hearing held on November 20, during which both parties referenced the active FBI investigation into Anna’s death.
• No rulings have yet been issued regarding long term custody, and the December 5 hearing is intended to address unresolved matters and consider evidence from both sides.

Key Findings & Considerations

• The only confirmed official timing detail is Anna’s recorded time of death: 11:17 a.m. on Nov. 7, per the Miami – Dade Medical Examiner. Cruise Law News
• The cruise ship was still at sea at that time, and returned to port the next day. This temporal gap raises investigative interest.
• Cause of death, whether foul play, medical, accidental or otherwise, has not been publicly disclosed.
• Because the death occurred aboard a vessel at sea, multiple jurisdictions (state, federal, maritime) may be involved, which may delay public release of details.
• At this time no official law enforcement announcement indicates any suspect, charge or definitive finding of wrongdoing.

Officially confirmed:

• FBI investigation ongoing
• MDME time of death: 11:17 a.m., November 7, 2025
• No cause of death released
• No manner of death released
• No criminal charges
• No publicly filed autopsy
• No suspect named by law enforcement
• Carnival confirms cooperation
• Family demands answers

Jurisdictional Complexity

• Because Anna died at sea, multiple agencies may hold jurisdiction:
• FBI
• US Coast Guard
• Maritime authorities
• Miami-Dade Medical Examiner

Per Anna’s Family:

• Circumstances of Death: Anna died during a 7-day Caribbean cruise she was on with her father, stepmother, and step-siblings. The last time the grandparents saw Anna, she was feeling unwell and went back to her room, but later joined them in the casino before saying goodbye and returning to the room she shared with her brother and stepbrother.
• Discovery: Anna was found the next morning by the room steward, concealed under the bed after the mattress was pulled back.
• Cause of Death: The FBI informed the family that the official cause of death was asphyxiation, possibly caused by a “bar hold” (an arm across the neck).
• Initial Findings: Anna’s body was reported to be in “perfect condition,” with no signs of sexual assault, drugs, or alcohol in her system. The family is still waiting for official toxicology and autopsy reports.
• Suspect in Unrelated Dispute: Anna’s stepmother, in an unrelated custody dispute, called Anna’s stepbrother (a minor) a suspect in the death. The stepbrother was the only other person seen coming and going from the room. Stepbrother had demons in the past he was working to overcome. 
• Stepbrother’s Interview: Anna’s grandmother says the stepbrother told them he does not remember what happened. She sat in on a portion of his FBI interview and described him as an “emotional mess” who “couldn’t even speak” and was close with Anna, like a brother and sister.
• Legal Status: The stepbrother has not been arrested or charged with a crime.
• Family’s Hope for Justice: The grandparents hope the family can heal and believe “the only person responsible is the person that was in the room with Anna.” They state they will accept “whatever the law says” and leave the final decision to the courts.
• Anna’s Memory: Anna was a high school senior and a straight-A student who planned to join the military. The family remembers her as “mighty” and having a purpose.

An emergency custodial hearing was held Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025 in response to a motion Shauntel Kepner filed earlier this week, asking to postpone an upcoming hearing because of the FBI investigation into her stepdaughter, Anna Kepner’s death. Presiding Brevard County Judge Michelle P. Studstill was told that FBI investigators were looking at Shauntel Kepner’s 16-year-old son for having a possible connection to Anna’s death onboard a Carnival cruise ship.

Key points from the court hearing:

• Underlying Situation: The case has garnered “national news” attention. The mother took the two younger children on a cruise, and the older child (approximately 16 years old), who is the father’s son, is a suspect in the death of an 18-year-old stepchild (the mother’s daughter) who was in the same room on the cruise ship. There is an ongoing FBI investigation.
• The 16-year-old: The parties have agreed that the 16-year-old is now living with a maternal relative, not with either parent, and is receiving counseling. His attorney, Miss Aanison, is concerned about him being called to testify and potentially incriminating himself, noting he was hospitalized after the incident.
• The Emergency Motion: Mr. Hudson’s emergency motion primarily concerns the youngest child, a 9-year-old. Mr. Smith argues the emergency stems from the mother’s “bad choices” regarding the cruise, including allegations that the 16-year-old was allowed to drink in international waters and that teenagers were given their own room, suggesting a lack of appropriate supervision. Mr. Smith also mentions the mother is “alienating the child from the father.”
• Mother’s Defense: Miss Aanison states the FBI has cleared her client (the mother) of any wrongdoing, and she is not a suspect. She denies the drinking allegations, stating there are videotapes from the ship that confirm “absolutely no drinking” and a DCF investigation found no alcohol in the mother’s house. She also notes there is a DCF open investigation on the father.
• Hearing Logistics: Both sides intend to call multiple witnesses (3-4 each), including the parents, stepfather, and potentially the 16-year-old (which would require a motion and court approval). The court estimates the hearing will need 2.5 to 3 hours, and the judge determines it needs to be heard on an emergency basis.
• Scheduling: After the first suggested date of December 1st at 9:00 a.m. was declined due to scheduling conflicts (including the mother mentioning the 16-year-old, Timothy, has a psychiatrist appointment, and Mr. Smith having a prior in-person hearing), the judge scheduled the hearing for December 5th at 9:00 a.m. at the Mor Justice Center. The hearing is set to run until 12:00 p.m. and will be in person.
• Motion for Nondissemination: Miss Aanison mentions filing a motion for nondissemination due to the press “hounding” her and her client. The judge notes she has not reviewed the motion but that there are members of the press currently in the open courtroom. 
• November 24, 2025 – Anna Kepner’s stepmother, Shauntel Kepner, filed a motion asking a Florida judge for a gag order in an ongoing custody dispute with her ex-husband. This case has publicly revealed that Anna’s 16-year-old stepbrother may be a “suspect” in her death aboard a Carnival cruise ship.
• Next Steps: Mr. Smith is instructed to prepare and file the notice of hearing and any necessary motion if he intends to have the minor child testify.

The 2024 to 2025 legal filings involving Shauntel Hudson, including the replevin action and the parenting disputes with her ex husband, do not involve Anna directly. These filings provide background about ongoing legal activity surrounding Ms. Hudson in the months leading up to the cruise.

However, the 2025 custody filings serve as the first official written documentation connecting a minor who was on the Carnival Horizon to the circumstances of Anna’s death. These filings also provide the only publicly available acknowledgment that federal authorities consider the case potentially criminal.

2024 Legal Proceedings Involving Shauntel Hudson.

• May 22, 2024 – Email Alleging Manipulation of Children. Michelle J. sends an email to Shauntel Hudson expressing serious concern about the emotional wellbeing of the two minor children, Timothy and Brooke. In the email, Michelle states her belief that the children have been negatively affected and “manipulated” or “brainwashed,” and that they are being placed in the middle of an ongoing conflict.  Source
• She refers to the children as “my grandchildren,” “your children,” and “Thomas’s children” and urges Shauntel to prioritize their stability, family connections, and emotional needs.
• Michelle accuses Shauntel of isolating the children from family, friends, and school, and references Shauntel’s own childhood experiences as a warning for the potential harm this could cause.
• June 4, 2024 – Michelle J repeatedly contacts Shauntel Hudson requesting the return of three firearms that Johnson states belong to her.  Source
• June 6, 2024 – Michelle J. sends a formal written notice listing the firearms and advising that court action will follow if they are not returned.  Source
• June 21, 2024 – Michelle J. files a Statement of Claim in Replevin in Brevard County, asserting Shauntel Hudson is wrongfully holding her firearms and requesting their return.  Source

November 17, 2025 – Dual Emergency Filings Linked to Anna Kepner’s Death

• 1:54 PM: Thomas Hudson files an Emergency Motion in Brevard County seeking temporary relief.  Source
• The filing states:
• Shauntel Hudson took her minor children on a cruise with the stepchild of her paramour.
• Her sixteen-year-old child is now a suspect in the death of that stepchild.
• The child was taken into custody and has since been released to live with a third party.
• The filing describes a prior violent altercation involving Shauntel, the adult child, and her paramour.
• Thomas Hudson seeks custody of the youngest child due to safety concerns and alleged violations of prior orders.

Verified by: Emergency Motion for Temporary Relief, filed November 17, 2025. Source

• 3:22 PM – Shauntel Hudson’s attorney files an Emergency Motion for Continuance in Brevard County.  Source
• The filing states that the FBI is conducting an active investigation into the sudden death of eighteen year old Anna Marie Kepner.
• The motion declares that Anna was found deceased on November 9, 2025, on a Carnival Cruise.
• The filing confirms that Shauntel Hudson, her minor children, Christopher Kepner, and Anna were all on the cruise together.
• Attorneys have advised Shauntel that a criminal case may be initiated against one of her minor children.
• The filing states that any testimony Shauntel gives could be prejudicial to her or her adolescent child in the FBI investigation.
• Shauntel formally invokes her Fifth Amendment right against self incrimination.
• Her attorney seeks to continue or postpone the scheduled civil enforcement hearing until the criminal investigation concludes.

Verified by: Emergency Motion for Continuance, filed November 17, 2025.  Source

November 18, 2025 – Mother’s Response to Father’s Emergency Motion (Shauntel Hudson)  Source

• 10:18 PM: Shauntel Hudson files a formal Response to the Father’s Emergency Motion in Brevard County.
• The filing confirms that T. H., the sixteen-year-old child, is a suspect in the death of Anna Kepner, the biological daughter of Shauntel’s partner.
• The mother states that both parties signed a stipulation around November 17 for T. H. to live with a relative of the mother for safety reasons.
• The response confirms there is an open FBI investigation involving T. H. and the cruise ship death.
• The filing says the Department of Children and Families has an open investigation into the father for alleged domestic violence toward the two youngest children.
• The mother denies allegations of a violent altercation and states the father previously attempted to file a protection order, which was denied.
• The filing states she has not denied time-sharing and that the two remaining minor children do not wish to visit due to alleged domestic violence concerns.
• The mother states counseling has been arranged for the remaining minor child due to the traumatic event.
• The filing notes that Anna’s funeral services are scheduled for the same week and the family is grieving.
• The mother asks that the father’s emergency motion be denied.

Verified by: Mother’s Response to Father’s Emergency Motion, filed November 18, 2025. Source

November 20, 2025

• An emergency custodial hearing was held in response to a motion Shauntel Kepner filed earlier this week, asking to postpone an upcoming hearing because of the FBI investigation into her stepdaughter, Anna Kepner’s death. Presiding Brevard County Judge Michelle P. Studstill was told that FBI investigators were looking at Shauntel Kepner’s 16-year-old son for having a possible connection to Anna’s death onboard a Carnival cruise ship. Source

Family Roles Summary

• Biological Mother: Heather M. W*****
• Stepmother who raised Anna since age of 5: Tabitha L. Harper- born November 27, 1991 to Christina and Kevin Scott Harper.
• Current partner and stepmother figure at time of death: Shauntel T. H******
• Father: Christopher P. Kepner

June 24, 2006

Marriage of Christopher P. Kepner and Heather M. Wright
Christopher P. Kepner marries Heather M. Wright in Brevard County, Florida.
The ceremony is performed by Notary Sandra K. Hollings in Mims, Florida.
Heather’s date of birth is November 23, 1984.
Christopher’s date of birth is May 19, 1984.
Verified by: State of Florida marriage certificate.

June 13, 2007 – Birth of Anna Marie Kepner
Anna is born approximately one year after the marriage of Christopher and Heather.
This timing confirms Heather M. Wright as Anna’s biological mother.
Verified by: Memorial announcement showing Anna’s birth date.

December 2008 – Sexual Violence Injunction Filed Against Christopher P. Kepner
A Sexual Violence Injunction is filed against Christopher in Brevard County when Anna was approximately eighteen months old and when Christopher was married to Heather.
The petitioner is listed as C. D*** OBO**, meaning an adult petitioner named C. D***** filed on behalf of a minor.

December 18, 2008. – The injunction is dismissed after a hearing.
Relevant surname note:  Public record alias data shows that the petitioner has used the surname H*** at times, which is also the maiden surname of Tabitha L. H*****, who later becomes Christopher’s spouse. The identity of the protected minor is not disclosed in the public record.
Verified by: Brevard County injunction docket, Facebook and alias records.

2008 – Beginning of relationship between Christopher and Tabitha L. Harper
Although the exact marriage date is not listed in the BECA docket, court filings and parenting records show that Christopher and Tabitha formed a household and shared minor children by the early 2010s.
Verified by: Parenting Plan and multiple domestic filings in the 2023 divorce case.

2010 – Kevin Scott Harper, the biological father of Tabitha Lynn Harper arrested after an incident involving a juvenile female.
According to the arrest affidavit, Harper attempted to force a juvenile toward his vehicle, resisted law enforcement, and showed signs of significant intoxication. A search warrant was executed three days later to collect evidence from his vehicle. The Defendant Kevin Harper witness list included Tabitha Lynn Harper (18 at that time) and Christopher Purcell Kepner, confirming their involvement. On December 13, 2010, Harper entered a no contest plea to reduced charges and was sentenced to twelve months of supervised probation with mandatory substance abuse treatment, counseling, and SO compliance conditions.
Verified by Court Records.

May 28, 2011 – Marriage of Tabitha and Christopher Kepner
May 28, 2011, Tabitha and Christopher Kepner married in Titusville, Brevard County, Florida

September 22, 2011 – birth of Tabitha and Christopher’s son

2014 to 2022 – Christopher and Tabitha raise Anna together
For much of Anna’s childhood and teenage years, she resides in the household of Christopher and Tabitha.
Tabitha becomes the stepmother who raises Anna.
Verified by:

• Divorce parenting documents
• Address records
• Household listings

March 23, 2023 – Tabitha files for divorce from Christopher
Case number 05-2023-DR-023146 is opened in Brevard County.
Tabitha claims Christopher has a history of physical and mental abuse toward the minor children and toward Tabitha.

August 23, 2023 – Final Judgment of Dissolution entered
The marriage between Christopher and Tabitha is formally dissolved.
Verified by: BECA docket entries.

November 26, 2024 – Divorce case reopened Christopher and Tabitha.
A Supplemental Petition for Modification is filed, relating to parenting or support issues.

November 27, 2024 – Formal Supplemental Petition filed – Christopher and Tabitha.
Additional supporting documents entered into the case.
Verified by: BECA docket.

June 17, 2025 – Final Judgment of Modification entered – Christopher and Tabitha.
The reopened case is concluded and closed.
Verified by: BECA docket.

Mid 2025 – Christopher begins relationship with Shauntel T. Hudson
Shauntel, born August 10, 1989, becomes Christopher’s new partner.
She becomes the third maternal figure in the household and is present with Anna on the Carnival Horizon.
Verified by: November 17, 2025 emergency motion
Identifies Shauntel as “Respondent’s paramour”
Confirms shared household

November 2025 – Family onboard the Carnival Horizon
Christopher, Shauntel, her minor child, and Anna all travel together on the cruise where Anna dies.
Verified by: Brevard County court filing.

November 17, 2025 – FBI investigation identified in court filing
Shauntel’s attorney states that the FBI is investigating the death of eighteen year old Anna, and that a criminal case may be initiated against her minor child.
The minor is not identified.
Verified by: Emergency Motion for Continuance, filed November 17, 2025.