Anna Kepner and her stepbrother under FBI investigation end up sharing a room on cruise due to their close friendship.

Anna Kepner and her stepbrother, who is now under federal investigation following her death, were described as "best friends" by their stepmother. Shauntel Hudson appeared in court Friday for an urgent custody hearing after her ex-husband, Thomas Hudson, requested custody of their youngest daughter, seeking to remove her from Shauntels home. This petition came after Thomas learned that his 16-year-old son is being investigated by the FBI in connection with Anna's death. Court documents indicate that Anna was found asphyxiated under the bed in the cabin she shared with her teenage stepbrother.

In court, Shauntel Hudson discussed the familys cruise and explained how Anna came to share a room with her stepbrother and 14-year-old half-brother. She testified that a travel agent recommended the sleeping arrangement, and that she and Christopher Kepner stayed in a separate cabin across the hall from the two younger girls. Annas grandparents were accommodated two floors above.

Shauntel stated that the three teenagers wanted to stay together during the cruise, describing them as inseparable. "They are best friends," she said, emphasizing their close bond. However, Annas former boyfriend told reporters after her memorial that she was not always comfortable around her stepbrother.

Shauntel recalled the evening of November 6, saying she last saw Anna around 6:30 p.m. and her son just before 7 p.m., with both heading back to their cabin. She returned to her own room shortly before 7:30 p.m. and went to bed. Annas body was discovered the next morning, November 7, aboard the Carnival Horizon.

Social media posts also reflected the strong connection between Anna and her half-brother, showing several photos together. Following the incident, the stepbrother is now living in an undisclosed location known only to his parents and law enforcement. No charges have been filed, and the FBI has not officially named a suspect, though Shauntels attorney suggested that charges might eventually be brought. The FBI is considering whether to hand over evidence to state or local authorities.

Judge Michelle Studstill denied Thomas Hudsons emergency request to remove his 9-year-old daughter from Shauntels custody. Thomas is scheduled to return to court on December 17 for a contempt hearing, following claims that his ex-wife took their children abroad without his permission and that he has been prevented from seeing his younger children for 18 months. He also alleged a custody exchange dispute involving Christopher and his parents.

Thomas stated in his motion that his 16-year-old son's future has been jeopardized by decisions made by Shauntel and that his lack of involvement has negatively affected the children.

Author: Chloe Ramirez