😱 SHOCKING TWIST in the Anna Kepner cruise ship tragedy: The mom of the teenage stepbrother – now the prime suspect – waited a full 32 HOURS after Anna’s body was found to tell his own father… and then dropped this bombshell: Supporting her son could “jeopardize” her marriage to Anna’s devastated dad.

Text messages just uncovered in a bitter custody war reveal the chilling message: “I need you to call me asap it’s an emergency” – sent over a day after the 18-year-old cheerleader was discovered hidden under a bed, asphyxiated.

This “perfect” blended family vacation turned into a nightmare at sea… with the 16-year-old boy sharing the cabin, now under FBI scrutiny, kicked out of the home, and the family fracturing under unthinkable accusations.

What really happened in that locked cabin? Why the delay? And is this the crack that finally breaks the case wide open?

The details are heartbreaking and infuriating – full story below. This one will leave you speechless. 💔😡

New court documents from an unrelated custody battle have shed fresh light on the ongoing FBI investigation into the homicide of 18-year-old Florida cheerleader Anna Kepner, who was found dead aboard a Carnival cruise ship last month.

The filings, obtained by media outlets including PEOPLE, reveal text messages between Anna’s stepmother, Shauntel Kepner (formerly Hudson), and her ex-husband, Thomas Hudson — the father of the 16-year-old stepbrother who has been identified in court as a suspect in Anna’s death.

On November 8, approximately 32 hours after Anna’s body was discovered on November 7, Shauntel sent Thomas a message with the subject line “Emergency,” stating: “I need you to call me asap it’s an emergency.” The delay in notification has raised eyebrows, though no criminal implications have been suggested regarding the timing.

In another exchange referenced in the filings, Thomas accused Shauntel of prioritizing her current marriage, writing that he had “kept my mouth shut” when she indicated she could not “jeopardize” her marriage by fully supporting their son amid the unfolding crisis.

These revelations emerged amid Thomas Hudson’s efforts to gain custody of the couple’s younger daughter, citing concerns over the family’s handling of the situation involving their teenage son.

Anna Kepner, a high school senior from Titusville known for her bright personality and cheerleading ambitions, was on a family Caribbean cruise aboard the Carnival Horizon when tragedy struck. The vacation included her father, Christopher Kepner; stepmother Shauntel; grandparents Jeffrey and Barbara Kepner; and several step-siblings.

On November 7, as the ship approached Miami, a cabin steward discovered Anna’s body hidden under a bed, wrapped in a blanket and covered with life vests. She shared the cabin with her 16-year-old stepbrother and a younger sibling.

The death was quickly ruled a homicide. A death certificate, provided to media by the family, listed the cause as “mechanical asphyxia” inflicted “by other person(s).” Preliminary reports suggested asphyxiation via a bar hold — an arm across the neck — with bruises noted on her neck.

The FBI took over the investigation due to the incident occurring in international waters. No charges have been filed as of late December 2025, and the bureau has provided no public updates on the probe’s status.

Court documents from the Hudsons’ custody dispute have become a key source of information, as a gag order limits direct statements in the criminal case. In early December hearings in Brevard County, Florida, a judge acknowledged the 16-year-old as a “suspect” in Anna’s death.

Shauntel’s attorney informed the court that the boy had been removed from the family home and placed with relatives at an undisclosed location — a decision made jointly with Christopher Kepner to eliminate any perceived risk to other children.

The teen was reportedly hospitalized for psychiatric evaluation immediately after the ship docked and has since been released. Family members, including grandmother Barbara Kepner, have described him as emotionally distraught, claiming he has no memory of the events.

Surveillance footage and keycard records reportedly show only Anna and the stepbrother entering and exiting the cabin during the relevant timeframe. The younger sibling in the room reportedly heard noises suggestive of a struggle the night before the discovery.

Blended family dynamics have come under scrutiny. Anna lived primarily with her father after his divorce from her biological mother. Christopher later married Shauntel, who brought her children from her previous marriage with Thomas Hudson, including the 16-year-old boy.

Some family statements portray Anna and her step-siblings as close, with no prior issues. However, other relatives, including an aunt on Anna’s maternal side, have alleged that Anna expressed discomfort around the stepbrother prior to the trip.

Anna’s ex-boyfriend also reportedly raised concerns about her feeling uneasy in certain situations involving the step-sibling.

The custody battle between Shauntel and Thomas Hudson predates the cruise incident but has intensified. Thomas has argued for changes based on the ongoing investigation and the boy’s removal from the home. Recent hearings have included subpoenas for witnesses from the Florida Department of Children and Families and Anna’s school, Temple Christian School.

Shauntel has fought to retain custody of their younger child, with the judge ruling there was no imminent danger warranting immediate removal.

Efforts to seal parts of the custody case or impose broader gag orders have been denied, keeping proceedings open to the public and media.

Christopher Kepner, Anna’s father, has expressed profound grief while navigating the suspicions surrounding his stepson. In earlier statements, he said he could neither confirm nor deny the boy’s responsibility but wanted accountability.

The family held a memorial service for Anna, encouraging bright colors in tribute to her vibrant spirit. Community members in Titusville have rallied with support, while online discussions have intensified speculation.

Carnival Cruise Line has cooperated with authorities, standard procedure for incidents at sea. The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act mandates reporting serious crimes to the FBI.

As the holiday season passed, the case remained unresolved, with toxicology and psychiatric evaluations pending. Prosecutors await full forensic results before any potential charges.

Child welfare advocates have noted broader concerns about oversight in blended families and reporting mechanisms on cruises.

The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office has deferred detailed comments, citing the active federal probe.

Anna Kepner was remembered as a straight-A student dreaming of college cheerleading at the University of Georgia. Her obituary highlighted her love for family and outgoing nature.

The investigation continues, with the FBI reviewing ship surveillance, phone data, and access logs. No motive has been publicly suggested, and the stepbrother remains the focus without formal charges.

This case has captivated national attention, blending elements of family tragedy, maritime mystery, and unresolved homicide.

Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the FBI tip line.