Text messages obtained by local media show the 16‑year‑old stepbrother of Anna Kepner repeatedly told his mother he "couldn't remember" the night she was found dead aboard a Carnival cruise ship on Nov. 8. Kepner’s death certificate lists "mechanical asphyxiation" as the cause and authorities have ruled the death a homicide. Family texts reveal efforts to keep the minor’s identity off social media as the FBI investigates, and the boy’s mother later said he missed ADHD and insomnia medication during the trip.
Chilling Texts in Cruise Ship Homicide: Teen Tells Mother He 'Can't Remember' Night Anna Kepner Was Found
The tragedy of the teenager’s death deepened as it emerged that she was found stuffed under a bed. / Anna Kepner/Instagram
Newly released text messages have added a disturbing layer to the investigation into the death of 18‑year‑old Anna Kepner, who was found dead aboard a Carnival cruise ship on Nov. 8.
Local Florida outlets reported that the 16‑year‑old stepbrother repeatedly told his mother he could not remember the events of that night. Kepner’s death certificate, obtained by ABC News, lists the cause of death as "mechanical asphyxiation." Authorities have ruled the death a homicide.
What The Texts Reveal
Messages exchanged between the boy’s mother, Shauntel Hudson‑Kepner, and her ex‑husband, Thomas Hudson, were reported by Fox 35 Orlando. In a Nov. 9 exchange, Hudson‑Kepner — who is Kepner’s stepmother — said she briefly spoke to the unnamed 16‑year‑old while he was in a medical facility.
“I was able to talk to him last night for under two minutes briefly he just keeps repeating over and over he can’t remember anything,” Hudson‑Kepner wrote.
She added that a nurse allowed a short conversation so she could tell him that the family loved him.
Family Concerns About Public Scrutiny
The released texts also show the family trying to shield the minor from media attention and social‑media speculation. Hudson warned that posts on Facebook and TikTok were spreading, and Hudson‑Kepner emphasized the boy is a minor and asked that his name not be circulated as authorities continue their work.
Crime Scene Details and Investigation
According to reports, Anna Kepner was found under a bed in a cabin she shared with two stepbrothers, ages 14 and 16, wrapped in a blanket and covered with life jackets. The FBI has identified the 16‑year‑old stepbrother as a potential suspect as the investigation continues.
Court Testimony
At a Dec. 5 court hearing, Hudson‑Kepner said her son takes medication for ADHD and insomnia and that he had not taken those medications for two days during the cruise, including the night before Kepner’s body was discovered.
Authorities continue to investigate. Media reports cite Fox 35 Orlando and ABC News for the obtained texts and the death certificate details.
