A cheerleader, 18, was tragically discovered deceased under a bed on a Carnival cruise ship while on a family vacation. The stepbrother of the deceased is now under scrutiny regarding his suspected involvement in the incident.
Anna Kepner, the victim, had her death initially classified as a homicide. The latest update reveals that her stepbrother, with whom she shared a cabin on the cruise, is a person of interest in the murder investigation. Anna, a resident of Titusville, Florida, was on the trip with her father, stepmother, grandparents, half-brother, and stepbrother.
Authorities stated that the teen had died from mechanical asphyxiation, indicating she was subjected to a choke hold. The stepbrother is currently under investigation but has not been detained in connection with the case.
On the evening before her body was discovered, Anna had been in the ship’s casino with her grandparents. Her grandmother, Barbara Kepner, recalled that Anna bid farewell, expressing her love before retiring for the night.
Barbara was devastated upon learning about Anna’s demise, expressing her shock and sorrow. Anna’s aunt, Krystal Wright, voiced frustration over the lack of charges against the stepbrother, questioning the delay in legal proceedings.
The grieving aunt shared her belief that Anna fought for her life in her final moments, emphasizing the emotional turmoil of the situation.
Shauntel Kepner, Anna’s stepmother, disclosed that the 16-year-old stepbrother is considered a suspect, although law enforcement has not made any formal charges. It was reported that Anna’s biological brother, aged 14, realized she was missing after returning to their cabin and finding her absent.
The discovery of Anna’s body under the bed was made by a cleaning crew hours later. She was found covered in life jackets and wrapped in a blanket.
Described as a vibrant individual who loved interacting with others, Anna was looking forward to graduating from school and pursuing a career in the Army. Her family fondly remembered her infectious energy and captivating smile.
The Carnival Horizon cruise ship journeyed through the Western Caribbean, making stops in Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios, as indicated in the company’s travel itineraries.
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