Stepbrother arrested, charged after teen girl’s death on Carnival Cruise: Stepfather
The tragic death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, who was found dead aboard a Carnival Cruise ship in November, has taken a new turn as her stepbrother has been arrested and charged in connection with the case. Anna’s father, who is also the stepfather of the suspect, confirmed the arrest and mentioned that the stepbrother has been released to the custody of a guardian. The specific charges he is facing have not been disclosed at this time.
The family’s lawyers have not commented on the case, and all court records are sealed since the suspect is a juvenile. The FBI, U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the local prosecutor’s office have declined to discuss any details related to the ongoing investigation.
Weeks after Anna’s tragic death on the cruise ship, her stepbrother was named a “suspect” by his parents in an unrelated custody case. The death certificate indicated that Anna’s death was ruled a homicide, with the cause listed as “mechanical asphyxia.”
Anna was on vacation with her grandparents, father, stepmother, siblings, and stepsiblings when she was found dead under a bed, wrapped in a blanket and covered by life vests. The investigation into her death is ongoing, and details surrounding the circumstances of her passing remain unclear.
In a statement released by Anna’s father and stepmother, they expressed their gratitude to the FBI and the Department of Justice for their dedication to the investigation. They emphasized the pain of losing their daughter in a violent and senseless manner and stressed the importance of justice being served in her memory.
The family’s statement also called for accountability and justice for Anna, highlighting the need for a full and fair legal process to honor her life. They expressed their grief and outrage at the fact that the person responsible for Anna’s death is still free, adding to their pain and determination to seek justice for their daughter.
Despite the deep hurt and ongoing pain caused by this tragedy, the family remains united in their quest for justice for Anna. They are committed to honoring her memory and ensuring that her case is not forgotten. They thanked the FBI and the Department of Justice for their efforts and continued dedication to the case.
As the investigation continues, the family is determined to speak out on behalf of Anna, seeking closure and accountability for her untimely passing. Their focus remains on seeking justice and remembering Anna’s life in a meaningful way.
