Heartbroken Father Seeks Justice in Daughter’s Mysterious Death
Christopher Kepner, the father of Anna Kepner, is demanding accountability if investigations reveal that his stepson is responsible for the tragic death of his 18-year-old daughter aboard a Carnival cruise. However, he refrained from outright stating his belief in the boy’s involvement in the case.
“I don’t support what my son-in-law did,” said Christopher, 41. “I want him to face the consequences…and I’m going to fight to make sure that happens.”
Anna, a high school senior, was on the Carnival Horizon with her family when she was found dead on November 7. Her body was discovered hidden under a bed, wrapped in a blanket and a life jacket.
While there hasn’t been any official word from the FBI regarding new developments, court documents from an unrelated matter indicate that Anna’s 16-year-old stepbrother, who roomed with her, is being considered a “suspect.”
“He was a normal kid,” Christopher reflected, seemingly in disbelief. “I never thought something like this would happen.”
Last seen at a family dinner on November 6, Anna’s lifeless body was discovered the next day by a housekeeper. When asked if his stepson had any role in Anna’s death, Christopher hesitated, saying, “I can’t say he’s responsible, but I can’t say no.”
“He was the only one in the room, and the FBI is currently investigating. They need to provide evidence of his involvement or lack thereof,” the shocked father stated.
Authorities have ruled Anna’s death a homicide, indicating she was “mechanically asphyxiated.” Reports also cite that Anna’s 14-year-old brother heard “screaming” and “the sound of chairs being thrown” in the shared stateroom while he was with his brother-in-law.
On the night of her death, he unknowingly slept just a few feet away from where Anna’s body was hidden. Additionally, Anna’s ex-boyfriend, Joshua Westin, revealed that her brother-in-law had previously confessed to feeling unsafe around him. Westin’s father stated that Anna accused him of harassment and claimed she was fearful of possible actions he might take against her.
Westin’s father also mentioned the stepbrother’s tendency to carry a large knife, raising alarm over his infatuation with Anna.
Anna, a devout Christian who had recently been baptized, was set to graduate from Temple Christian School in Titusville, Florida. She had aspirations of joining the U.S. Navy and becoming a K9 police officer.
