(Photo by AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
The tragic death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner aboard a Carnival Cruise ship has taken a shocking turn. Her stepbrother was recently arrested in connection with the case, according to Annas father, Chris Kepner. And, the story is leaving the internet reeling. As more details remain under wraps, the teens deathinitially ruled a homicidehas ignited widespread speculation and concern.
Authorities arrested and charged the stepbrother of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, who tragically died aboard a Carnival cruise ship in November, the teens father, Chris Kepner, confirmed. Sources say authorities released the teen into a guardians custody, but they have not clarified the exact charges, leaving the investigationand family dramashrouded in secrecy.
Additionally, the stepbrother of Florida teen Anna Kepner appeared in federal court in Miami on Friday, as investigators continue digging into the shocking circumstances of her death aboard a Carnival cruise ship. Three months after 18-year-old Anna Kepner died aboard the Carnival Horizon during a family vacation, authorities saw her 16-year-old stepbrother leaving juvenile court and entering adult federal court, dressed in a camouflage hoodie with his face hidden beneath a low-pulled baseball cap and hood.
Heather Wright, the biological mother of Anna Kepner, has walked back her earlier claim that her daughters stepbrother had been charged in connection with Annas death, admitting she was misinformed. She added that prosecutors and her ex-husband havent updated her on the case or provided any new details, leaving her frustrated and in the dark. Meanwhile, the stepbrothers mother slammed his release from custody. She called it deeply painful and disturbing that someone she claims is responsible for Annas death is apparently walking free. Authorities have not yet formally accused the teen of any wrongdoing.
As previously reported, just weeks after Annas death during a Caribbean vacation in November, authorities named her stepbrother a suspect in court filings from an unrelated custody case. Sources briefed on the investigation say authorities found the Florida teen under a bed. Investigators found her body wrapped in a blanket and covered with life vests.
Furthermore, the family released a statement expressing gratitude to the FBI and Department of Justice for their handling of the case. Meanwhile, court records remain sealed due to the suspects juvenile status. Questions remain about the exact charges, and authorities, including the U.S. Attorneys Office and local prosecutor, have declined to comment.
