Stepbrother of Florida Teen Found Dead on Carnival Cruise Ship Faces Federal Court Appearance
MIAMI, Fla. — The stepbrother of Anna Kepner, an 18-year-old Florida teenager who was found dead aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship last November, appeared in federal court this past Friday as the FBI intensifies its investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Kepner’s body was discovered wrapped in blankets beneath a cabin bed while the family was vacationing in the Caribbean, raising questions that have yet to be answered by authorities.
The teenager, who is 16 years old, was seen leaving juvenile court before entering adult federal court in Miami, accompanied by his attorney. He arrived wearing a camouflage hoodie and a baseball cap pulled low to obscure his face, signaling the gravity of the proceedings. The court appearance marks a significant development in a case that has drawn national attention and federal scrutiny.
Anna Kepner’s death on November 7, 2025, occurred while the Carnival Horizon was sailing in international waters, complicating jurisdictional and investigative efforts. The FBI, which has jurisdiction over crimes on the high seas, has taken the lead in the inquiry. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, cases involving deaths aboard cruise ships often require coordination between multiple agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard and the Department of Justice.
Federal prosecutors have not released detailed information about the charges or allegations against the stepbrother, but his court appearance signals the seriousness with which authorities are treating the case. The investigation remains active, and law enforcement officials have indicated that more subpoenas and interviews are expected as they seek to piece together what happened aboard the vessel.
Cruise ship deaths in international waters present unique challenges, as jurisdictional issues often require federal agencies to collaborate closely. The U.S. Coast Guard has protocols for investigating maritime deaths, but when a crime is suspected, the FBI’s maritime crimes unit typically assumes responsibility. In this case, the FBI has been conducting interviews and gathering evidence to determine whether foul play was involved.
Anna Kepner’s family has spoken publicly about their grief and desire for answers. Her grandmother, Barbara Kepner, gave a rare interview expressing hope that the investigation would bring clarity and justice. The family’s statements have been covered extensively by major news outlets, including Fox News, which has tracked the case since the teenager’s death was first reported.
While cruise vacations are generally regarded as safe, incidents involving passenger deaths are not unheard of. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains guidelines for health and safety aboard cruise ships, but criminal investigations fall under the purview of federal law enforcement when they occur at sea.
As the investigation continues, the federal court appearance of Kepner’s stepbrother underscores the ongoing efforts to uncover the truth behind this tragic event. Authorities have urged anyone with information related to the case to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in maritime crime investigations.
With the case still unfolding, the nation watches closely, hoping for answers that will bring closure to a family devastated by a loss that occurred far from shore but has captured widespread attention.
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