Family Holiday Ends in Tragedy
The stepbrother of an 18-year-old cheerleader, found dead during a family cruise, is now facing a police investigation into his alleged involvement in her death. Anna Kepner, from Titusville, Florida, was discovered deceased on the Carnival Horizon cruise ship earlier this month, turning a family holiday into a nightmare.
A Chilling Discovery and a Homicide Ruling
Anna's body was found by a cleaning crew, wrapped in a blanket and concealed under a bed in the cabin she shared with her stepbrother. Officials have since ruled her death a homicide, stating the cause was mechanical asphyxiation, indicating she was placed in a chokehold.
The teen had been travelling with her blended family, including her father, stepmother, grandparents, biological half-brother, and her 16-year-old stepbrother. The night before she was found, Anna had been with her grandparents in the ship's casino. Her grandmother, Barbara Kepner, recounted Anna's final words to her: "Meemaw, I love you guys. I’ll see you... I’ll see you later."
According to reports, Anna was escorted to the cabin by her two brothers. Her 14-year-old biological brother changed clothes and left again, assuming his sister had also gone back out when he returned and found her bed empty. He did not realise her body was hidden beneath a bed in the same room.
Family's Anguish and Demand for Answers
The investigation has now centred on Anna's stepbrother, who is reportedly being probed by authorities but has not been arrested. This has caused immense anguish for Anna's family. Her aunt, Krystal Wright, expressed fury at the lack of an arrest, telling Fox 35 Orlando, "We don't understand why, if the boy is a suspect, why has he not been charged yet? What's happening there? It's turmoil."
Anna's stepmother, Shauntel Kepner, confirmed that the 16-year-old is considered a suspect. The family described Anna as a vibrant young woman who was set to graduate in May and had begun the process of joining the Army. They said she "loved being around people" and had an energy that drew others in.
The Carnival Horizon was on a six-day journey through the Western Caribbean, with stops including Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios, when the tragic incident occurred.
