Stepbrother Eyed in Teen’s Cruise Ship Death May Be Called to Testify, Attorney Says
Custody Hearing Updates in High-Profile Case
A 16-year-old boy, currently under investigation for potential involvement in the death of his stepsister, Anna Kepner, aboard a Carnival cruise ship, may be called to testify regarding the incident. This information emerged during a custody hearing in Florida on Thursday, as stated by Scott Smith, the attorney representing the boy’s father, Thomas Hudson.
Smith noted the delicate situation, expressing reluctance to place the teenager at the center of an ongoing custody dispute but acknowledged the necessity of potentially calling him to clarify the circumstances surrounding Kepner’s tragic death.
Investigations into Anna Kepner’s Death
Law enforcement sources revealed that investigators are examining the possibility that Kepner may have been strangled during an altercation, with indications that alcohol may have been involved. The investigation stems from the discovery of Kepner’s body, which was found under a bed in her family’s cabin by a housekeeper, following a family vacation in the Caribbean.
Kepner’s family, particularly her father, Christopher Kepner, suspects that the 16-year-old boy, referred to as “T.H.” in court documents, may be a suspect in the ongoing FBI investigation. However, the FBI has not publicly confirmed his status as a suspect and typically refrains from commenting on operational aspects of ongoing investigations.
The circumstances surrounding Kepner’s untimely death are particularly troubling, as she had expressed feelings of illness the night before and did not make it to breakfast the following morning. Investigators are currently reviewing surveillance footage and analyzing electronic swipe card data to identify who accessed the cabin during the timeline leading up to her death.
Custody Dispute and Testimonial Considerations
The hearing, held in Brevard County, Florida, revealed that the 16-year-old had been hospitalized upon returning to Port Miami on November 8. He is now residing with a relative on the west coast of Florida. Millstartnt Athanason, representing Shauntel Hudson (the stepmother of Anna Kepner), expressed concerns about the implications of calling the minor to the stand, particularly regarding potential incrimination.
Judge Michelle Studstill remarked that a hearing to discuss the minor’s potential testimony is necessary, anticipating that the boy might invoke his Fifth Amendment rights and refuse to testify. A follow-up hearing to address these issues is scheduled for December 5.
In the context of the custody dispute, testimony from the 16-year-old could significantly impact Thomas Hudson’s claims in his ongoing battle for custody of his three children, including the 16-year-old boy.
Ongoing Investigative Efforts
As the investigation continues, law enforcement is interviewing cruise ship passengers and crew members, alongside conducting interviews with the family members present during the ill-fated cruise. They are also examining the phstart records of Anna Kepner as part of their inquiries.
This high-profile case has attracted significant media attention, embodying a tragic intersection of familial strife and the pursuit of juststart in the wake of a heartbreaking loss.
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