Executive Summary
- Anna Marie Kepner, 18, was found dead aboard the Carnival Horizon on Nov. 7; the FBI is investigating.
- Court documents from a custody dispute identify Kepner’s 16-year-old stepbrother as a suspect, though no arrests have been made.
- Grandmother Barbara Kepner confirmed the teens shared a cabin but stated she cannot accuse her grandson without knowing the facts.
- Sources cited by ABC News suggest potential signs of physical trauma, though official autopsy results remain undisclosed.
The grandparents of Anna Marie Kepner, an 18-year-old high school senior found dead aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship on November 7, have provided statements regarding the family’s travel arrangements and the ongoing federal investigation. In an interview with ABC News aired Monday, Barbara and Jeffrey Kepner discussed the circumstances surrounding the death of their granddaughter, while court documents have identified her 16-year-old stepbrother as a suspect in the case.
According to Barbara Kepner, the extended family, comprising three generations, was vacationing together and occupied three staterooms. She stated that the three teenagers on the trip, including Anna and her stepbrother, had decided to share one room. Describing the blended family as close-knit, Barbara Kepner told ABC News there was "no such thing as steps" among them. However, she acknowledged the stepbrother’s proximity to the scene, stating, "He was in a room with her. He was the only one seen coming and going," adding, "I can’t accuse him because I don’t know what happened in that room."
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is currently leading the inquiry into the death, which occurred after the vessel departed from Miami. While no arrests have been made, filings in a separate custody dispute involving Kepner’s stepmother revealed that the FBI is investigating the 16-year-old stepbrother. The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office has completed an autopsy, but official results have not been released. ABC News, citing a source briefed on the investigation, reported that the teenager may have died as the result of an arm across her neck, noting that two bruises were found. The report further indicated an absence of signs regarding sexual assault, drugs, or alcohol.
Additionally, Heather Wright, identified as Kepner’s birth mother, stated on social media that she was not notified of her daughter’s death until several days after the incident. Wright expressed grievances regarding the lack of immediate communication from the custodial family members.
Investigative Procedural Context
This case highlights the complexities of criminal investigations within maritime jurisdiction, where the FBI typically assumes authority for significant crimes against U.S. nationals on the high seas. The investigation is currently in a fact-finding phase, likely pending the finalization of forensic pathology and toxicology reports to determine the precise cause and manner of death. The identification of a juvenile as a person of interest adds a layer of legal sensitivity regarding privacy and procedural due process. It is important to note that no formal criminal charges have been filed in this matter, and all individuals, including the minor mentioned in court filings, are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.