BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – As authorities investigate the death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner on a Carnival cruise ship last month, the Titusville teen’s father and stepmother are scheduled to appear in court Friday in a separate matter.
Shauntel Kepner, who is married to Anna Kepner’s biological father Christopher Kepner, is in a dispute with her ex-husband over the custody of their two minor children, a 9-year-old girl and 16-year-old boy.
That 16-year-old boy is a “suspect” in the murder of his stepsister Nov. 7 on the Carnival Horizon, according to his family.
The FBI has not confirmed the stepbrother is a suspect in Anna Kepner’s death, nor has the agency disclosed details about its investigation.
[VIDEO: Records show step-sibling may be charged after Titusville teen’s cruise ship death]
According to family members, a cabin steward found the teen’s body under the bed of her stateroom.
Anna Kepner died from asphyxiation, the family said they were told by investigators. There is no indication the teen had been sexually assaulted, they noted.
The victim’s 16-year-old stepbrother is currently living with a relative on his mother Shauntel Kepner’s side of the family, court records indicate, while his 9-year-old sister continues to reside with their mother in Brevard County.
Thomas Hudson, the children’s father, is asking a judge to address the placement of his son while also giving him additional parenting time with his daughter.
In an emergency motion seeking court intervention, Hudson referenced his son’s status as a “suspect” in Anna Kepner’s death.
“The sixteen-year-old’s future has been put in jeopardy because of the choices made by (his mother),” Hudson wrote. “The youngest child is at immediate risk of abuse, abandonment, or neglect in the care of (her mother).”
[WATCH BELOW: Stepbrother ‘suspect’ hospitalized after Anna Kepner’s death on cruise ship]
Shauntel Kepner denies the allegations made by her ex-husband and has asked a judge to reject his requests.
Christopher Kepner, who has been married to Shauntel Kepner for less than year, has been subpoenaed to testify at Friday’s court hearing.
It is unclear what, if anything, Christopher Kepner may reveal about his daughter’s death.
[MORE: Hundreds gather in Titusville to remember teen found dead on cruise ship]
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