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Stepbrother Arrested in Teen's Cruise Ship Death
7 Feb
Summary
- Stepbrother arrested for death of teen found under cruise ship bed.
- Death ruled homicide; cause was mechanical asphyxia.
- Investigation began after teen found hidden in cabin.
Nearly three months after 18-year-old Anna Kepner was discovered dead aboard a Carnival Cruise ship, her 16-year-old stepbrother has been arrested and charged. The FBI led the investigation into how Kepner's body was found hidden under a bed in the family's cabin during a Caribbean voyage last November.
Kepner, a cheerleader from Central Florida, was traveling with family when she was found on the morning of November 7. Her body was discovered wrapped in a blanket and covered with life vests.
Her death was officially ruled a homicide, with the cause listed as mechanical asphyxia, indicating suffocation. Bruises were reportedly found on her body, but there were no signs of sexual assault.
The stepbrother, previously identified as a suspect in unrelated court filings, has now been taken into custody. Due to his juvenile status, the specific charges remain sealed, and officials have declined further comment on the ongoing investigation.
