Florida Family Grapples with Suspicion as Stepbrother Questioned in Cruise Ship Death
MIAMI – The family of anna Kepner, the 18-year-old Florida woman who died on a Caribbean cruise earlier this month, is speaking out as authorities investigate her stepbrother as a potential suspect. The case, initially reported as a “sudden death,” has taken a disturbing turn with revelations in a recent court hearing and statements from family members.
Kepner’s death occurred while three generations of her blended family were on a cruise intended to become a new family tradition. The group – including her father, stepmother, and seven children between them – occupied three staterooms aboard the 133,596-ton vessel, which has a passenger capacity of 3,960.
Shauntel Hudson, Kepner’s stepmother, requested a delay in a divorce custody hearing, citing the possibility of criminal charges against one of her minor children. While authorities have not announced any arrests,they are investigating Kepner’s death.
Kepner’s ex-boyfriend, Jim Thew, told WESH that he wasn’t surprised by the possibility of charges, stating, “There were signs before this…She complained about…being uncomfortable around him.”
Family members describe a close-knit dynamic where step-siblings were treated as equals. “It’s all family - it’s a blended family, yes, but that’s not how our family is,” said jeffrey Kepner, Anna’s grandfather. “Our dynamic is we’re all just family.”
According to court testimony, the stepbrother was briefly hospitalized for psychiatric observation following Anna’s death and was questioned by law enforcement.Barbara Kepner, Anna’s grandmother, described him as “an emotional mess” who “couldn’t even speak” and claimed he told her he had no memory of what happened.
“I believe, to him, that is his truth,” Barbara Kepner said. She also maintained that Anna and her stepbrother had a loving relationship,describing them as “just like brother and sister” and “two peas in a pod.” While acknowledging the difficulty of the situation, Barbara Kepner stated that learning the manner of Anna’s death offered “a little bit” of closure, adding, “But it’s not going to bring anna back.”
authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding anna Kepner’s death. No further details have been released.
