TEEN GIRL CHEERLEADER DEAD ON CARNIVAL CRUISE SHIP, FBI JOINS INVESTIGATION

Nearly three months have passed since the tragic death of high school cheerleader and academic standout Anna Kepner, yet no arrests have been made in the case. The 17-year-old was discovered strangled and hidden under a bed aboard a Carnival Cruise ship.

In a custody court dispute between Shauntel Hudson and her former husband, Thomas Hudson, documents suggest their son, Anna’s stepbrother, as a potential suspect. Despite this, he continues to reside with relatives at an undisclosed location.

Just days before Anna’s untimely death, cruise ship footage captures her joyfully participating in line dancing with her grandparents, reflecting a vibrant and happy teenager.

Ship passenger Nick Giddens learned of Anna’s murder only upon his return home. While reviewing his cruise videos, he found footage of Anna dancing just five days before her tragic end.

This poignant video shows a lively Anna, full of life, taking part in the Carnival Horizon Sail Away Party, a memory now clouded by her subsequent murder.

Text messages presented in the custody case over Shauntel and Thomas Hudson’s youngest daughter reveal efforts by the family to manage the situation. The messages document their response after discovering their son had emerged as a suspect in Anna’s murder.

Joining Nancy Grace:

Joe Scott Morgan
Joseph Scott Morgan – Professor of Forensics: Jacksonville State University, Author of “Blood Beneath My Feet,” and Host: “Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan;” X @JoScottForensic, Instagram @JoScottForensic

Additional Guests

  • Spencer Aronfeld – Trial Lawyer and Founder of Aronfeld Trial Lawyers, Author of Illustrated Children’s Book, “Sara Rose, Kid Lawyer;” Facebook: Aronfeld Law, Instagram: Aronfeld_Trial_Lawyers
  • Dr. Sue Cornbluth – Doctor of Clinical Psychology and Relationship Expert, Owner of Doctor Sue & You, Author of “Building Self-Esteem in Children and Teens Who Are Adopted or Fostered;” YouTube: DrSueAndYou
  • Michelle Spitzer – Florida News Reporter for USA Today Co.
  • Nick Giddens – Captured video of Anna Kepner dancing on the cruise ship 5 days before she was killed
  • Sydney Sumner- Investigative Reporter, ‘Crime Stories’

“Crime Stories with Nancy Grace” on Fox Nation is also a national radio show on SiriusXM channel 111, airing for two hours daily starting at 12 p.m. EST. You can also subscribe and download the daily podcasts at iHeart Podcasts.

[Feature Photo: Anna Kepner/Instagram]

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