Stepbrother of teenager found dead ‘stuffed under bed’ on family cruise now a suspect in her death
The stepbrother of a US teenager found dead onboard a cruise ship is reportedly being investigated in connection to her death.
Earlier this month, Florida teenager Anna Kepner was found deceased in her cabin on board a Carnival Cruise ship as it travelled between Florida and Mexico.
A cause of death for Anna is yet to be confirmed publicly, with a report from The Daily Mail claiming a maid cleaning the family's cabin found her wrapped in blankets, covered in lifejackets and 'stuffed under a bed'.
An investigation into her death has since been opened by the FBI, due to her death being in international waters, with agents investigating whether or not Kepner's stepbrother was involved in her death.
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The update comes from a court document filed by Anna's stepmother, Shauntel Hudson, on Monday, which asked for a pause in an ongoing custody dispute with the father of her children, NBC News reports.
According to the update, Hudson said that one of her children is being investigated by the FBI in the aftermath of Anna's death, and she had been advised 'that a criminal case may be initiated against one of the minor children of this instant action'.
Due to the 'extremely sensitive and severe circumstance' of the case, it would mean that Hudson would be barred from testifying at the current time. The minor was not identified publicly, but confirmed that he was living with a relative while the investigation was conducted.
The document also confirms that Hudson and her two minor children were aboard the cruise when Anna died.
No charges have been filed in relation to Anna's death at the time of writing.
CBS News adds that investigators are also examining surveillance videos from the ship as well as swipe card data for the teenager's cabin.
What do we know about the death of Anna Kepner?
While an exact cause or time of death has not been released publicly, it's understood that Anna, who was set to graduate high school next May, had complained about feeling unwell the evening before her death and headed back to her cabin prematurely.
Kepner's family have also spoken out about the lack of updates they've received over the teenager's death, with dad Christopher Kepner previously telling the MailOnline: "I don't know who they are looking at or what their investigation is.
"The FBI hasn't shared anything with me yet. I would imagine they're going to be in contact with me about it, but I know as little as everybody else."
He continued: "I have no idea what is going on right now. We are just trying to sit still and wait for answers."
A celebration of Anna's life is set to be held at her local church in Titusville, Florida today (20 November).
LADbible Group has approached Carnival Cruise and the Miami-Dade medical examiner's office for comment, as well as attempting to contact the FBI.
Topics: US News
Brenna Cooper