A 16-year-old boy accused of killing his stepsister aboard a cruise ship is receiving criminal defense support from his father, according to newly filed family court documents.
Anna Kepner, 18, was found dead on November 7 aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship, just one day before the vessel returned to PortMiami. Authorities say she died from asphyxiation and was discovered under a bed in the cabin she shared with her stepbrother during the family vacation.
The teen’s father, Thomas Hudson, disclosed in an emergency filing in Brevard County family court that he is actively supporting his son’s legal defense. The filing seeks sole custody of Hudson’s nine-year-old daughter, arguing it is not in her best interest to remain in a household connected to the alleged crime.
Federal prosecutors have brought a sealed criminal case against the teenager. Because juvenile cases remain confidential unless charges are elevated to adult court, the boy’s identity has not been released. Earlier this month, Hudson and his son appeared in a secured federal courtroom and later visited a probation office, consistent with pretrial processing.
Hudson’s attorney said the father is attempting to protect all of his children during what he described as an extraordinarily painful and complex situation. He declined to comment on the specifics of the federal case.
Court filings also state that the teen was removed from his stepfather’s home immediately following the cruise. Hudson further alleges concerns about alcohol being served to minors and improper medication management, claims that have not yet been addressed by the boy’s mother or her attorney.
No hearing date has been scheduled.
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