FBI Probes Teen’s Death on Carnival Cruise as Stepbrother Becomes Suspect

Anna Kepner, an 18-year-old from Florida, was found dead on a Carnival cruise ship. The tragedy occurred aboard the Carnival Horizon on November 8. Her family was returning from a Caribbean vacation.

The case has taken a serious turn. A 16-year-old stepbrother is now under investigation. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is leading the probe.

Family Details and a Growing Mystery

Anna lived in Titusville, Florida with her father, Christopher Kepner. She lived with her stepmother, Shauntel Hudson, and two stepbrothers. She was her father’s only daughter from a previous marriage.

The family was together on the holiday cruise. According to reports from ABC News, one stepbrother is a minor. Details on the other sibling are not publicly known.

In a tribute, her family remembered her bright spirit. They said she brought warmth and energy to every room. They asked mourners to wear her favorite color, blue, at her memorial.

Investigation Focuses on Shipboard Evidence

The FBI has jurisdiction because the ship was in international waters. Agents are reviewing extensive evidence from the vessel. This includes surveillance footage and keycard access logs.

Cell phone records are also being examined. Crew members and other passengers are being interviewed. The stepbrother in question has been released from custody but remains a suspect.

According to reports, Anna felt unwell the night before she died. She returned to the family’s cabin. She was missing from breakfast the next morning.

A ship housekeeper later made the grim discovery. Anna’s body was found under a bed. It was wrapped in a blanket and covered by life vests.

The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner has not ruled on cause of death. The time of death was recorded as November 7. The investigation remains active and ongoing.

The Carnival Cruise death investigation continues to unfold as authorities piece together a timeline. The family seeks answers while grieving a profound loss.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: What cruise line was involved?

The incident occurred on the Carnival Horizon. It is a ship operated by Carnival Cruise Line. The vessel was returning to PortMiami at the time.

Q2: Who is leading the investigation?

The FBI is the primary investigative agency. They have jurisdiction over crimes involving U.S. citizens in international waters. Local authorities are assisting.

Q3: Has a cause of death been released?

No official cause of death has been announced. The medical examiner’s report is pending. The investigation is focusing on evidence from the ship.

Q4: Was the family on a holiday?

Yes, the Kepner and Hudson family was on a vacation cruise. They were traveling to the Caribbean. The trip ended in tragedy.

Q5: What has the family said publicly?

The family released a statement honoring Anna’s memory. They described her as kind-hearted and vibrant. They have requested privacy during the investigation.