Federal investigators are reportedly focusing on cell phone data as they continue their probe into the death of Anna Kepner, 18. Prosecutors have disclosed that they possess an "extraction of C.K.’s cell phone," a detail emerging from court documents related to the case. This digital evidence is part of a larger collection that also includes the full medical examiner's report and body camera footage. Kepner's stepbrother, T.H., aged 16 at the time of his self-surrender in February, is the individual charged in her murder. He had been released on bond.
The core of the federal investigation appears to be coalescing around digital forensic evidence derived from a cell phone associated with the accused stepbrother, C.K., whose identity is linked to T.H.
Kepner's body was discovered on November 7, 2025, wrapped in a blanket and concealed beneath life jackets in a room she shared with her stepbrother aboard a Carnival cruise ship. The cause of death was later determined to be mechanical asphyxiation, ruled a homicide. Authorities stated that Anna was found in a room with her stepbrother, where her body was located.
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The legal proceedings have become entangled with a contentious custody dispute involving the stepbrother's parents, Shauntel Hudson (also known as Shauntel Kepner) and her ex-husband, Christopher Kepner, who is Anna's father. Court documents related to this dispute have brought aspects of the criminal investigation to light. The stepbrother himself reportedly has a history of insomnia and has stated he has no recollection of the night in question.
Carnival Cruise Line has affirmed its cooperation with the federal investigation into the incident that occurred between Mexico and Florida.
