Stepbrother Arrested in Death of Teen Found Dead on Cruise Ship

A major development has emerged in the mysterious death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, who was found dead aboard a Carnival cruise ship last November.

According to Anna’s father, Chris Kepner, her stepbrother was arrested this week in connection with the case. Kepner is also the stepfather of the suspect. The stepbrother was later released into the custody of a legal guardian.

Because the suspect is a juvenile, authorities have not disclosed the specific charges. All court records remain sealed, and officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and local prosecutors have declined to comment.

Anna was found dead during a Caribbean vacation aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship. Weeks after her death, the stepbrother had already been identified as a suspect by his own parents in a court filing tied to an unrelated custody case.

Anna’s death was officially ruled a homicide. Her death certificate lists the cause as mechanical asphyxia.

The Florida teen had been traveling with her grandparents, father, stepmother, siblings, and stepsiblings when she was discovered dead. According to a security source briefed on the investigation, Anna’s body was found under a bed, wrapped in a blanket and concealed with life vests.

Her family described Anna as a bright, bubbly teenager and a straight-A student with a promising future ahead.

In a lengthy statement released Friday, Chris Kepner and his wife Shauntel — Anna’s stepmother and the biological mother of the suspect — thanked federal investigators while expressing deep anguish and frustration over the case.

They praised the FBI and Department of Justice for their work and professionalism, but said the pain of losing their daughter in what they described as a violent and senseless act will never fully heal.

They also voiced outrage that the person they believe is responsible is currently free, saying that reality has only intensified their grief and determination to seek justice.

The family revealed they had remained silent for months at the FBI’s request to avoid interfering with the investigation. However, they said the ongoing pain and unanswered questions compelled them to speak publicly.

“Our daughter’s life matters,” the statement said. “We will continue to speak out to honor her, to seek accountability, and to ensure that her case is not forgotten.”