Stepbrother charged in connection to death of cheerleader found ‘stuffed under bed’ on cruise
The stepbrother of a US teenager found dead on board a cruise ship has been arrested and charged in connection with her death, according to reports.
The FBI have been investigating the mysterious circumstances surrounding how Anna Kepner ended up 'stuffed under a bed' in her family's cabin since November last year.
The 18-year-old was on board a Carnival Cruise ship that was travelling from Florida to Mexico with her grandparents, father, stepmother, siblings, and stepsiblings nearly three months ago.
Horrifically, her body was found underneath a bed wrapped in blankets and covered in lifejackets, The Daily Mail reported.
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Anna's cause of death was listed as 'mechanical asphyxia', and the date of injury was noted as 6 November 2025, according to a copy of the death certificate issued by her family to ABC.
In the weeks following, reports emerged claiming that the teenager's stepbrother was being investigated in relation to her death, which was ruled a homicide by authorities.
Anna's stepmother, Shauntel Hudson, asked for a judge to press pause on an ongoing custody dispute with the father of her children, as 'a criminal case may be initiated against one of the minor children'.
The minor was not publicly identified due to his age, but it was confirmed that he was living with a relative during the investigation.
Now, Anna's father Chris Kepner and his wife Shauntel have shared a lengthy statement praising US law enforcement for their work 'to uncover the truth' about the cheerleader's mystery death.
According to ABC News, Anna's 16-year-old stepbrother has since been charged in relation to her death. He is said to currently still be under the custody of a guardian. It is not known what charges he is facing.
The couple told how their lives have been 'permanently changed' by the events on the cruise ship, while saying: "Our daughter deserves justice."
In a lengthy statement, Chris and Shauntel said: "The loss of our daughter is a pain that will never fully heal. She was taken from us in a violent and senseless way, and our family has been permanently changed.
"Our grief is overwhelming, and her absence is felt in every part of our lives. No parent should ever have to bury their child, and no words can fully express the depth of our loss.
"We believe in accountability and in the importance of justice being carried out. Our daughter deserves justice, and her life deserves to be honoured through a full and fair legal process.
"We are grateful to the investigators and prosecutors who have worked to uncover the truth and to ensure that this crime is treated with the seriousness it warrants."
The statement continued: "At this time, it is deeply painful and disturbing to our family that the person responsible is able to walk freely.
"This reality adds to our grief and outrage. It is devastating to know that while we live every day with the loss of our child, the individual responsible has not yet been fully held accountable.
"This only strengthens our resolve to continue seeking justice for our daughter. During this investigation, we were advised by the FBI to remain quiet.
"We respected that request out of trust in the process and in hopes that it would help the investigation.
"However, as grieving parents who continue to live with unanswered questions and ongoing pain, we can no longer remain silent. Our daughter's life matters, and we will continue to speak out to honour her, to seek accountability, and to ensure that her case is not forgotten. While this tragedy has deeply hurt our family, we will not let it tear us apart.
"Our focus remains on honouring our daughter's memory and seeking justice for her. We thank the FBI and the Department of Justice for their continued efforts, dedication, and commitment to this case."
Topics: US News, Crime, Cruise Ship, Travel, Carnival Cruise Line
Olivia Burke