Authorities are investigating the death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, a cheerleader from Titusville, Florida, who was found dead aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship earlier this month. A recent court filing suggests that one of her step-siblings may face criminal charges in connection with her death.

Kepner was discovered deceased on November 8 while the ship was returning to Miami from a Caribbean cruise. According to law enforcement sources, her body was located by a housekeeper under the bed in her stateroom. Family members reported that Kepner had expressed feeling unwell the night before and had returned to her room. When she did not appear for breakfast the following morning, a search was initiated.

The court filing, submitted in an unrelated family court matter involving Kepner's stepmother, Shauntel Hudson, indicates that the FBI is conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Kepner's death. The filing states, "The Respondent has been advised through discussions with FBI investigators and her attorneys, that a criminal case may be initiated against one of the minor children of this instant action."

Hudson has requested a delay in her custody hearing, citing the potential criminal charges against one of her children. The filing notes that any testimony she might provide could be prejudicial to her or her child in the ongoing investigation.

The FBI has not released specific details regarding the investigation but is reviewing surveillance footage from the ship and analyzing electronic swipe card data to determine who accessed Kepner's cabin. Additionally, investigators are examining her cellphone records and conducting interviews with other passengers, crew members, and family members.

Carnival Cruise Line has stated that it is cooperating with the FBI in the investigation. The Miami-Dade medical examiner has not yet disclosed the cause or manner of Kepner's death. The FBI has jurisdiction in this case because Kepner was a U.S. citizen and the incident occurred in international waters.

As the investigation continues, the family of Anna Kepner has not publicly commented on the situation. The cruise ship returned to Miami on the same day Kepner was found dead, and the company has expressed its focus on supporting the family during this difficult time.