FBI Investigates Death of Florida Teen on Cruise Ship
The father of an 18-year-old cheerleader, found dead on a Carnival cruise ship, believes his son-in-law should face consequences if it’s proven he had any involvement in her death. Christopher Kepner, her father, described his 16-year-old son-in-law as a typical kid, expressing shock over the situation.
Anna Kepner was discovered deceased aboard the Carnival Horizon on November 7 during a family vacation with her father, stepmother, grandparents, and siblings. She was reportedly found wrapped in a blanket and wearing a life jacket in the cabin shared with her brother-in-law.
“I want him to be held accountable… I’m determined to ensure that happens,” Kepner shared.
He further clarified, “I don’t condone my son-in-law’s actions,” although he stopped short of directly accusing him of causing Anna’s death. “I can’t say he did it, but I can’t say he didn’t either,” he remarked.
Authorities ruled Anna’s death a homicide, identifying it as due to “mechanical asphyxiation.” No suspects or arrests have been announced. Family members mentioned she was found in a cabin shared with her brother-in-law.
Mechanical asphyxia refers to breathing obstruction by an external force, as explained by Dr. Priya Banerjee, a forensic pathologist. Former Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Michael Baden noted that mechanical asphyxiation isn’t automatically classified as murder, but it could be, depending on further investigations.
The FBI is currently heading the inquiry but has yet to reveal any potential suspects. Notably, Anna’s brother-in-law has been pointed out as a potential “suspect” in legal filings from Anna’s parents during an unrelated custody dispute. No charges have been made to date.
Christopher Kepner stated, “He was the only one there, and the FBI needs to determine if he did it.” He added that he never imagined such a tragic event could unfold.
“For now, my best approach is to allow the FBI to do their job. They have the evidence they need. After an arrest, I hope we can see justice for Anna,” he remarked.
Anna was a dedicated cheerleader, eager to join the Navy post-graduation, and harbored aspirations of becoming a K-12 police officer.
