The heartbroken aunt of an 18-year-old cheerleader has revealed how her niece fought for her life before being strangled to death in a cruise ship cabin she shared with her stepbrother, who is now under investigation for her murder.
A Grim Discovery at Sea
On November 7, the lifeless body of Anna Kepner from Titusville, Florida, was discovered shoved underneath a bed aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship. The teenager had been vacationing with her blended family, including her father, stepmother, grandparents, half-brother and stepbrother, when tragedy struck.
Authorities have officially ruled Anna's death a homicide by mechanical asphyxiation, indicating she was placed in a choke hold that ultimately ended her life. The ruling has left her devastated loved ones grappling with unanswered questions as they mourn her untimely passing.
Family's Anguish and Unanswered Questions
Anna's aunt, Krystal Wright, has spoken publicly about what she believes unfolded during her niece's final moments. "I know Anna fought. I know she fought for her life, so it's rough. It's rough," Wright told Fox 35 Orlando, her voice filled with emotion.
Wright expressed both anger and confusion that Anna's 16-year-old stepbrother, who is being investigated as the primary suspect, has not been arrested. "We don't understand, if the boy is a suspect, why has he not been charged yet? What's happening there?" she questioned. "It's turmoil. We're just sitting here waiting."
Although authorities have not publicly named the 16-year-old due to legal restrictions, the Daily Mail has confirmed he was listed as a suspect in investigative documents. The suspect's mother, Shauntel Kepner, has acknowledged in court filings that federal authorities are investigating her son's alleged role in Anna's death.
Troubling History and Final Hours
While Anna's grandparents described the teenager and her stepbrother as "two peas in a pod," disturbing details have emerged suggesting previous inappropriate behaviour. Josh Tew, 15, Anna's ex-boyfriend, recounted an incident approximately nine months ago when he witnessed the stepbrother climbing on top of Anna against her will during a late-night FaceTime call.
"He walked in there and tried to get on top of her... but he got caught by me in the process of it," Josh claimed. "I was like, 'What the hell are you doing in her room?' Then he got scared and ran away."
According to Josh, Anna felt too frightened to report the incident, fearing retaliation from her stepbrother. He also suggested Anna had been uncomfortable with Shauntel and her children living in the home, noting that her father had only recently met Shauntel.
The night before her death, the family had gathered for dinner on the cruise ship. Anna, feeling unwell, returned early to the cabin she shared with her stepbrother and 14-year-old half-brother. Both boys later returned to the room, though the younger brother left to take photographs of the $800 million vessel for social media.
Tragically, when the 14-year-old attempted to return to the cabin later that evening, he reportedly heard yelling and chairs being thrown inside, with his stepbrother preventing him from entering. The following morning, when Anna failed to appear for breakfast, a cleaner made the grim discovery of her body beneath the bed.
The FBI swarmed the ship immediately upon its docking in Miami, pronouncing Anna dead at 11:17 am. Her father, Christopher Kepner, has stated he will not protect his stepson from potential criminal charges.
"I do not stand behind what my stepson has done," Christopher told People. "I want him to face the consequences... I will be fighting to make sure that does happen. He was the only one that was in the room."
As the investigation continues, Anna's family and friends are left to mourn a vibrant young woman whose life was brutally cut short during what should have been a joyful family vacation.
