Miami, Florida — Newly unsealed court documents in the high-profile murder case of 18-year-old cheerleader Anna Kepner reveal that investigators tested DNA from another teenage boy who was aboard the same Carnival cruise ship and had a sexual encounter with her shortly before her death.

Kepner was found dead on November 7, 2025, aboard the Carnival Horizon, her body concealed under a bed in the cabin she shared with her 16-year-old stepbrother, Timothy Hudson, and another minor. Prosecutors allege Hudson sexually assaulted and murdered her by mechanical asphyxiation. He has been charged as an adult with first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse and has pleaded not guilty. His trial is scheduled for later this year.

According to unsealed hearing transcripts, a rape kit performed during the autopsy recovered male DNA from two separate vaginal swabs. Prosecutors state that one sample matches Hudson, strengthening their case against him. However, the second sample belongs to another juvenile male passenger who was not considered a suspect and has not been charged in connection with her death.

The defense has highlighted the presence of the second DNA profile, arguing it raises questions about the timeline and circumstances surrounding Kepner’s final hours. Prosecutors maintain that the additional DNA does not exonerate Hudson, emphasizing that the evidence supports their theory of sexual assault followed by murder inside the shared cabin.

Anna Kepner, a straight-A student and cheerleader from Titusville, Florida, was on a family cruise with her father, stepmother, stepbrother, and other relatives when the tragedy occurred. Her body was discovered as the ship was returning to port in Miami.

The case has drawn intense national attention, with ongoing courtroom battles over the forensic evidence. Hudson remains out of custody pending trial, a decision that has sparked controversy.

This latest revelation adds another layer of complexity to an already disturbing case as both sides prepare for trial.