Teen suspect in stepsister's cruise ship death says he doesn't remember anything
A 16-year-old boy being investigated in the death of his stepsister on a Carnival cruise ship last month has no recollection about what happened, according to text message exchanges between his parents filed in a custody court case in Florida.

According to recently released court documents from central Florida, a mother informed her former husband that their teenage son repeatedly insisted he couldn’t recall anything when questioned. This revelation has come to light in local media reports.

The tragic death of Anna Kepner, which authorities have classified as a homicide, has drawn significant international interest and fueled widespread speculation across social media platforms.

Florida teen Anna Kepner’s cause of death was “mechanical asphyxia”.(AP)

In the unfolding case, court filings related to a custody battle in Brevard County have named the 16-year-old stepbrother of the victim as a suspect. The legal proceedings involve the divorced parents of the youngest child in the family, located along Florida’s Space Coast.

These court documents provide the most definitive evidence to date that federal investigators are focusing their attention on a member of the victim’s own extended family.

Attempts to reach Shauntel Hudson’s legal representative, who is the mother of the 16-year-old and was Kepner’s stepmother, were unsuccessful as of Wednesday. Similarly, inquiries directed at the boy’s father, Thomas Hudson, received no response.

Currently, the couple’s youngest child resides with Shauntel Hudson. Meanwhile, Thomas Hudson has accused her of breaching their time-sharing agreement. The 16-year-old has been placed under the care of a relative of Shauntel Hudson after returning from a cruise.

In the most recent court documents, the ex-spouses discussed via text the news of Kepner’s death going viral on social media and how to protect their 16-year-old son from public scrutiny. Thomas Hudson also said he wanted his son to know that he was loved despite what had happened.

You May Also Like
The fight began after spectators entered the field of play at Amour Park.

Individual Faces Charges Following Intense Altercation at Sydney Soccer Match

A man has been charged following a chaotic altercation at a soccer…
The capture of Beaufort castle near the city of Nabatiyeh came after days of intense fighting and airstrikes

Israeli Forces Secure Key Fortress in Lebanon Conflict

Israeli troops have captured a strategic mountain topped with a Crusader-built castle…

Melbourne Police Hunt for Suspect in Double Stabbing Incident

A man is currently evading authorities following a dramatic series of events…
Hundreds arrested as shops and cars burned in wild football celebrations

Mass Arrests and Destruction Mark Chaotic Football Victory Celebrations

Police have detained 780 people involved in violent clashes in Paris and…
President Donald Trump dances at an event at a charter school in The Villages, Fla., Friday, May 1, 2026.

Trump Steps In as Headliner After Artists Withdraw from Festival

An upcoming celebration of America’s 250th anniversary – “The Great American State…

Trump to Take Center Stage at US Celebration After Artists Withdraw

IN BRIEF The concerts were planned as the opening ceremony of the…

Exploring Australia’s Reconciliation Week: Turning Dialogue into Action

Stay informed with the latest happenings from around the globe. Sign up…

US Poised to Resume Military Action Against Iran Amid Ceasefire Deal Uncertainty

IN BRIEF The draft agreement will extend the ceasefire and allow shipping…
Rugby legend Howlett – a member of the Munster team that won the 2007/2008 Heineken Cup and the All Blacks’ top try scorer – held the post as the club’s head of commercial and marketing for two years before returning to New Zealand in 2019

Doug Howlett’s Charity Funds Under Scrutiny: Uncovering Connections to His Business and a Limerick Social Media Platform

The Irish Mail on Sunday has exposed that Doug Howlett, a celebrated…
It's been almost five years since Brisbane locked in Olympic hosting rights, and after five years of talk but little action but tomorrow, construction on the centrepiece stadium will finally begin.Within hours, Victoria Park, will be closed to the public.

Construction of Brisbane’s Olympic Stadium at Victoria Park Set to Commence Amid Ongoing Protests

It’s been almost five years since Brisbane locked in Olympic hosting rights,…
One Nation Australia's most popular party in new poll

New Poll Reveals One Nation as Australia’s Leading Political Party

In a surprising political shake-up, recent polling data indicates that One Nation…

Socceroos Stumble in Pre-World Cup Friendly: Mexico Clinches Narrow 1-0 Victory

Stay informed about global happenings with our reliable updates. Receive complimentary daily…