Stepbrother eyed in cruise ship death of Florida teen may be called to testify in custody dispute, attorney says. The tragic death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner aboard a Carnival cruise ship has taken a complex turn, intertwining a federal homicide investigation with a contentious child custody battle in Florida. A 16-year-old stepbrother, identified in court filings as "T.H.," who is a person of interest in Kepner’s death, may be compelled to testify in person about the incident, an attorney for his father revealed during a custody hearing on Thursday, November 21, 2025. This development adds a deeply sensitive layer to an already high-stakes legal drama, pitting family against family while a criminal probe unfolds in the background.
Scott Smith, representing Thomas Hudson, the father of the 16-year-old, articulated the difficult position his client faces. While acknowledging the reluctance to place the minor in the spotlight of an ongoing custody dispute, Smith stated, "I may have to call him" to provide testimony regarding the circumstances surrounding his stepsister’s untimely demise. This potential testimony is deemed crucial in the broader context of a custody dispute between Thomas Hudson and Shauntel Hudson, who is Anna Kepner’s stepmother and also the mother of the 16-year-old. The outcome of the custody case, which involves three of their children including T.H., could be significantly influenced by any revelations from the teen.
Law enforcement sources have painted a grim picture of Anna Kepner’s final moments. According to one source who spoke to CBS News on Friday, investigators believe Kepner may have been strangled during an altercation. The same source indicated that the suspect in question may have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. This information aligns with earlier reports suggesting some form of altercation occurred between Kepner and her 16-year-old stepbrother. The gravity of these allegations underscores the potential legal peril the minor could face, making his prospective testimony a flashpoint in both the custody and criminal proceedings.
Anna Kepner’s body was discovered under a bed in a cabin aboard the Carnival Horizon earlier this month, a chilling find made by a housekeeper as the ship made its return voyage to Miami. The discovery immediately triggered a federal investigation, with the FBI taking the lead due to the incident occurring in international waters. The Kepner family, through court filings, has publicly expressed their belief that T.H. is a suspect in the FBI’s investigation. However, the FBI has maintained its standard policy of not commenting on operational updates regarding its investigations, except in rare and specific circumstances, thus neither confirming nor denying the 16-year-old’s suspect status.
During the emotionally charged hearing in Brevard County, Florida, it was disclosed that upon the ship’s docking in Port Miami on November 8, the 16-year-old was hospitalized. The specifics of his hospitalization – whether for physical injury, psychological evaluation, or other reasons – were not detailed, but he is currently residing with a relative on Florida’s west coast, away from the immediate familial conflict. This separation further highlights the unique challenges and sensitivities surrounding the case.
Millicent Athanason, the attorney representing Shauntel Hudson in the custody dispute, voiced strong reservations about the prospect of the 16-year-old testifying. "I would have difficulty putting the 16-year-old on the stand because I don’t want anything done that would incriminate the young man," Athanason stated, underscoring the legal and ethical tightrope involved. Her concern centers on the minor’s Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, a fundamental protection that could be invoked if his testimony were to inadvertently reveal details that could be used against him in a criminal prosecution.
Judge Michelle Studstill, presiding over the custody hearing, acknowledged the complexities. She indicated that a separate hearing would be necessary to determine the appropriateness and scope of the minor’s testimony. Judge Studstill also predicted the likely outcome, stating, "I would anticipate that the child will choose not to testify and invoke his Fifth Amendment right." This forecast sets the stage for a potentially brief but legally significant moment should the 16-year-old be called to the stand. An in-person hearing specifically for this testimony has been scheduled for December 5.
Beyond the minor’s testimony, both legal teams are preparing to call a host of other witnesses. Athanason, representing Shauntel Hudson, revealed her intention to potentially subpoena an FBI investigator involved in the case, as well as investigators from Florida’s Department of Children and Families (DCF). The involvement of DCF suggests broader concerns about the welfare of the children within the Hudson family, further complicating the custody dispute. On the opposing side, Scott Smith indicated that he may also subpoena Christopher Kepner, Anna’s father, to testify. His testimony could provide crucial insights into Anna’s state of mind leading up to her death, as well as the family dynamics during the cruise.
Anna Kepner had embarked on what was supposed to be a joyous family vacation in the Caribbean. Her travel party included her father, stepmother, grandparents, two stepsiblings (including T.H.), and her brother. The family was aboard the Carnival Horizon, a sprawling vessel designed for leisure and relaxation, making the discovery of a body all the more shocking. Critically, Anna had been sharing a cabin with her stepbrother and one other stepsibling. This detail places the 16-year-old directly in the immediate vicinity of the incident, lending weight to the investigators’ focus on him.
According to family accounts, Anna had reported feeling unwell the night before her body was found and had returned to her room to rest. The following morning, her absence at breakfast raised initial concerns, which tragically escalated into the discovery of her death. This timeline suggests a narrow window for the incident to have occurred, further focusing the investigative efforts.
The FBI’s comprehensive investigation is leveraging various technological and traditional methods. Investigators are meticulously reviewing surveillance video from the cruise ship, which could provide critical visual evidence of who accessed Anna’s cabin or who was in the vicinity during the suspected timeframe. Electronic swipe card data, recording every entry and exit from cabins, is also being analyzed to establish a precise timeline of movements. Furthermore, authorities are examining Kepner’s cellphone records, hoping to uncover any communications that might shed light on her final hours or potential interactions. Extensive interviews are being conducted with cruise ship passengers, crew members, and Kepner’s family members, aiming to piece together a complete picture of the events leading to her death.
The convergence of a federal homicide investigation with a deeply personal custody battle creates an unprecedented legal and emotional challenge for all parties involved. The potential testimony of a 16-year-old, who is simultaneously a key witness and a person of interest in a death investigation, highlights the delicate balance between seeking justice for the deceased and protecting the constitutional rights of a minor. As the December 5 hearing approaches, the legal community and the public will be watching closely for any developments that could either clarify the circumstances of Anna Kepner’s death or further entangle the already complex web of legal proceedings. The ultimate outcome will not only determine the future of the Hudson family’s custody arrangement but could also bring critical answers to the tragic loss of Anna Kepner. Cristian Benavides reported on this story, with additional contributions from Pat Milton.
