A FURTHER shocking twist has been revealed in the death of “bubbly” teen Anna Kepner aboard a Carnival Horizon cruise ship.
FBI agents are considering criminal charges against a young relative in connection with her mysterious death, according to a new court filing.
Anna Kepner, 18, mysteriously died while holidaying on the Carnival HorizonCredit: AP
The senior student was remembered as ‘our sunshine, our baby girl’ in a family tributeCredit: Facebook/ChrisKepner
Miami-Dade investigators confirmed her date of death as November 7Credit: facebook/@amber.donohue.842620
, 18, died on November 7 while holidaying with her family during a six-day voyage on the Carnival Horizon.
Her baffling death – she was declared dead in international waters – prompted an immediate FBI investigation.
It has now emerged that a minor may face criminal charges in connection with her death, reported ABC News last night.
The broadcaster was citing a new filing in an unrelated family court matter.
According to the Monday filing, one of Anna’s step-siblings could face charges.
The FBI is carrying out an investigation “arising out of the sudden death of 18 year old Anna Kepner,” the documents said.
However, the FBI has not released any details about her death, and has not announced any charges.
The U.S. Sun has contacted the service multiple times for comment.
The Miami-Dade medical examiner has yet to provide information on the teen’s cause or manner of death but they confirmed she had died on November 7.
Her was reportedly discovered under a cabin bed by a maid on November 8, while family searched for the missing girl.
The Florida high school cheerleader’s remains were reportedly found wrapped in a blanket, covered in life jackets, and shoved underneath a bed, two unnamed sources told the Daily Mail .
The FBI has not commented on this alleged discovery.
POSSIBLE CHARGES
ABC News said that Shauntel Hudson – the girl’s stepmom, who was also on the cruise along with her children and Anna’s dad – has requested a delay in her custody hearing.
This was because one of her minor children may face criminal charges, according to the filing.
“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.”
GRIM FIND
The Carnival Horizon vessel had departed from Miami and was heading to the Caribbean when Anna’s body was discovered.
With the FBI currently investigating, its involvement has heightened the mystery as its agents usually focus on just select serious maritime crimes.
Cruise ship deaths are typically handled by local law enforcement, as reported by Florida Today .
FBI agents are only called in to probe suspicious deaths.
The federal agency opened its probe after the vessel returned to Port Miami on November 8.
Carnival Cruise Line said in a statement, “Our focus is on supporting the family of our guest and cooperating with the FBI.”
MILITARY HOPES
The senior year student, who had ambitions to join the military, shared a that appeared to allude to a relationship in the weeks before her death.
“You deserve to be happy but if it ain’t with me, then nvm,” the on-screen caption said.
The post was shared on October 30.
It’s unclear who Kepner was alluding to in the comment.
On her TikTok page , she also alluded to other previous relationships, in addition to sharing videos on her lifestyle.
“I don’t know why I’ve been through what I’ve been through but I can promise you I never deserved it,” she said.
“Am I mad at those people for what they did to me? No.
“Am I upset? Yes. But at the end of the day we are all humans that make mistakes.”
TRIBUTES
Friends and family have posted touching tributes to the girl on TikTok.
“Rest in peace Anna. Thank you for growing up with me, we may have been cousins but you always felt like a big sister to me. Fly high Anna,” said one.
“RIP. You were someone people would look up to. You were funny, smart, nice, and so much more. I hope you’re looking down on us,” said another.
One tribute marked her passing as a loss for the military, as Anna planned to join the U.S. Navy after graduation and later become a K9 police officer.
“Happy Veterans Day to the woman that wanted to serve and never got the chance to. Thank you for wanting to,” they posted.
