The sibling of an 18-year-old cheerleader, who was discovered deceased beneath a bed on a Carnival cruise ship while on a family vacation, is now under scrutiny for possible involvement. Anna Kepner, who passed away recently, had her demise classified as a homicide. The stepbrother, who shared a cabin with Anna during the cruise, is reportedly a subject of investigation in the murder case. Anna, a resident of Titusville, Florida, was on the trip with her father, stepmother, grandparents, half-brother, and stepbrother.
Authorities revealed that the cause of Anna’s death was mechanical asphyxiation, indicating she had been strangled. Although Anna’s stepbrother is under investigation, no arrests have been made in connection to the case.
On the evening before her body was discovered, Anna had spent time with her grandparents at the ship’s casino. Her grandmother, Barbara Kepner, recounted that Anna bid them goodnight before retiring to bed, saying, “Meemaw, I love you guys. I’ll see you…. I’ll see you later.”
Barbara expressed her shock and grief upon learning about Anna’s tragic fate, while Anna’s aunt, Krystal Wright, expressed frustration over the stepbrother not being charged yet, questioning the delay in legal proceedings.
The grieving aunt shared her belief that Anna fought for her life in her final moments, stating, “I know Anna fought. I know she fought for her life, so it’s rough. It’s rough.”
Shauntel Kepner, Anna’s stepmother, mentioned that the 16-year-old stepbrother is considered a suspect, although law enforcement has not declared any criminal charges. According to reports, Anna’s biological brother, aged 14, returned to the cabin to find his sister missing, presuming she had joined the adults. Hours later, a cleaning crew discovered Anna’s body hidden under a bed in the same room.
Described as a vibrant individual who was looking forward to graduation and had aspirations of joining the Army, Anna was cherished by her family for her sociable nature and infectious smile.
The Carnival Horizon sailed through the Western Caribbean, making stops in Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios, as indicated on the company’s itineraries.