Amazing New Evidence Sheds Light on Family Conversations “After” Kepner’s Death
ADULTS IN THE KEPNER DEATH CASE DIDN'T REALIZE THEIR TEXT MESSAGES WOULD BE FORENSICALLY EXAMINED.
By Anthony Romero
SyndicatedNews | SNN.BZ
In a case that has captivated public attention, newly released court documents from Brevard County, Florida, have revealed intimate text messages exchanged between family members in the immediate aftermath of 18-year-old Anna Kepner’s tragic death aboard a Carnival cruise ship. Kepner, a high school cheerleader from Titusville, was found asphyxiated under a bed in her cabin on the Carnival Horizon on November 7, 2025, during a family vacation. The medical examiner ruled her death a homicide by mechanical asphyxiation, and the FBI’s investigation remains sealed as of December 31, 2025.
The documents stem from an ongoing heated custody battle between Shauntel Kepner (formerly Hudson), Anna’s stepmother, and her ex-husband, Thomas Hudson, over their shared children—including the 16-year-old stepbrother who shared the cabin with Anna and is now considered a suspect in her death. The texts, dated November 7-9, 2025, paint a picture of a family grappling with grief, media scrutiny, and the looming possibility of criminal charges against the minor stepbrother, whose name has not been publicly released.
Key exchanges highlight the family’s efforts to shield the stepbrother from public speculation. On November 8, Shauntel texted Thomas: “I was able to talk with (the brother) last night for under two minutes briefly. He just keeps repeating over and over he can’t remember anything.” Thomas responded with concern for his son: “I just want him to know that he isn’t just dead to everyone. Regardless of everything at the moment he needs his parents I know you know that. I just would like to have a chance to talk with him as soon as possible.”
The conversations also addressed protecting their 10-year-old daughter from the trauma. Shauntel informed Thomas: “She doesn’t know anything about (her brother) The only thing I told her is that he was having a hard time coping with losing Anna so he’s getting checked out by the hospital.” Amid rising social media buzz, Thomas expressed worry on November 9: “OK, I know everything is supposed to be hush hush for now but ive seen that it is still getting out with post and comments between facebook tiktok and stuff … i just want to make sure until things are certain that he doesn’t get an(y) unnecessary comments towards him.” Shauntel replied: “Nobody knows anything about him. He is a minor and has been kept completely out of it. We have not said anything to anybody and we are to try our best to keep completely out.”
The texts reference awaiting autopsy results, with Shauntel noting: “We’ll know exactly more when the autopsy is done. Once we get the autopsy today, depending on what it says, depend on whether he’s booked on these charges.” This underscores the family’s awareness of the stepbrother’s potential legal jeopardy, as he was briefly taken into custody before being released to a third party and placed under supervision with counseling.
Broader family dynamics add layers to the tragedy. Anna’s ex-boyfriend, Joshua Westin, has publicly shared that Anna felt unsafe around her stepbrother, citing past harassment and a disturbing FaceTime incident witnessed by Westin, where the stepbrother allegedly got on top of Anna while she slept. Joshua’s father, Steve Westin, claimed he warned Anna’s family, but they dismissed the concerns. Additionally, Anna’s biological mother, Tabitha Kepner, attended her daughter’s funeral in disguise after being unwelcome by Chris Kepner (Anna’s father and Shauntel’s husband) and the family.
The custody filings also allege violations by Shauntel, including denying Thomas access to their children and exposing them to danger, amid prior family violence. Law&Crime reporter Chris Stewart has been covering the developments, noting how the sealed FBI probe continues to unfold alongside these civil proceedings.
Anna Kepner’s ex-boyfriend, Joshua Tew, spoke with Inside Edition following her funeral at a church outside Orlando, Florida. Kepner, 18, was found dead on a Carnival cruise ship. Tew says that Kepner was so afraid of her stepbrother that she often slept over at her friends’ home. The 16-year-old stepbrother is under suspicion for Kepner’s death. Tew says the 16-year-old had sexually harassed Kepner. The FBI is investigating Kepner’s death because it happened in international waters.
As the investigation persists without arrests, these documents highlight the profound emotional and legal turmoil surrounding Anna’s death, raising questions about family oversight and the events leading to that fateful cruise.
Jurisdiction in International Waters
In international waters (generally beyond 12 nautical miles from any country’s coast), primary criminal jurisdiction falls to the flag state—the country where the ship is registered (e.g., Bahamas, Panama, or Malta for most major cruise lines). This is established under international maritime law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Captain’s Role
The captain (often called the “master” in maritime law) has broad authority to maintain order and safety on board. This includes:
- Directing ship security to investigate initially.
- Securing the scene.
- Detaining suspects (e.g., confining them to a cabin or the ship’s brig).
- Deciding whether to divert to a nearer port or continue to the scheduled one to hand over the matter to authorities.
