Teenager May Be Called to Testify in Stepsister’s Death on Carnival Cruise Ship
A 16-year-old boy who is being investigated for possible involvement in the death of his 18-year-old stepsister on a Carnival cruise ship may be called to testify in person about the incident, according to his father’s attorney. The attorney, Scott Smith, stated that while they do not want to put the boy in the middle of an ongoing custody dispute, he may have to call him to testify about the circumstances surrounding his stepsister’s death.
The incident occurred earlier this month when the stepsister, Anna Kepner, was found dead under a bed on the Carnival Horizon cruise ship by a housekeeper. A law enforcement source told CBS News that investigators believe Kepner may have been strangled during an altercation, and that the suspect may have been using alcohol. The source also stated that Kepner and the 16-year-old may have had some kind of altercation.
Investigation and Custody Dispute
The testimony would be given as part of a child custody dispute between Thomas Hudson, the father of the 16-year-old, and Shauntel Hudson, the stepmother of Anna Kepner. The family of the 16-year-old has called the death a “suspected murder” in a new court filing, and an investigation is being conducted by the FBI. The filing, a Motion for Non-Dissemination Order, requests that the family court proceedings be closed to the press and that documents related to the custody battle remain under seal.
Thomas Hudson and Shauntel Hudson have been in a custody dispute over three of their children, including the 16-year-old. Testimony from the 16-year-old could shed light on what happened to Kepner and could also help bolster Thomas Hudson’s custody claim against his ex-wife, Shauntel Hudson. The 16-year-old is currently staying with a relative on Florida’s west coast after being hospitalized upon returning to Port Miami on November 8.
Upcoming Hearing and Potential Testimony
A hearing on the matter is set for December 5, and Judge Michelle Studstill stated that a hearing would need to take place before the minor would be able to testify. The judge also anticipated that the child may choose not to testify and invoke his Fifth Amendment right. Millicent Athanason, an attorney representing Shauntel Hudson, expressed difficulty in putting the 16-year-old on the stand, as it could potentially incriminate him.
Investigators are reviewing surveillance video and analyzing electronic swipe card data that may show who entered Kepner’s cabin. They are also examining Kepner’s cellphone records and conducting interviews with cruise ship passengers, crew members, and Kepner’s family. The FBI has not confirmed the 16-year-old as a suspect and stated that it does not comment on operational updates on its investigations except in rare circumstances.
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