Anna Kepner Cruise Death Update: FBI Mulls Over Step-Sibling Charges

Four weeks have passed since 18-year-old Anna Kepner was found dead aboard a Carnival Cruise ship. Already, news arrived that possibly, a step-sibling was involved in her death.

However, not much of that comes from the FBI, but from a family court hearing. As more information comes out about their family situation, questions arise about potential criminal charges and what might happen next. Read on for the newest updates.

Recapping What We Know 

Anna Kepner was in high school and dreamed of joining the military. Unfortunately, her dreams ended when she died a suspicious death on a cruise ship.

The FBI attended the vessel in Miami, raising red flags for journalists. Later, the news leaked that a housekeeper found Anna stuffed under some lifejackets and blankets in her cabin. The cabin was shared with a sibling aged 14, and a step-sibling aged 16.

The fact that the 16-year-old was allegedly considered a suspect came during a family court hearing in a family dispute over custody. So far, other news involved allegations that the boy was first hospitalized and now lives with a family member. Apparently, he also claims he remembers nothing of what happened. Other news revealed no sexual assault on Anna, and a probable cause of death caused by asphyxiation.

This week, in an update by Brian Entin on his investigation vlog, true crime followers heard a bit more information about it.

New Information

In the court, Brian revealed that sleeping with the two brothers was apparently Anna Kepner’s decision. Apparently, she preferred the company of her siblings to her grandparents, two floors up on the Carnival vessel. Shantel Kepner, Anna’s stepmom, told the court that the three kids were known as the “three amigos” because of their close relationship.

Additionally, Brian cited the court as hearing that the 16-year-old “was the only suspect right now and that they were waiting to see whether there was federal or state charges.” Allegedly, the family waits now for him to undergo “psychological testing.” Unsurprisingly, the family doesn’t plan on bringing him home any time soon.

Mental Health Issues

Other news revealed that the teenager also has mental health issues and “takes a daily cocktail of medication for ADHD and insomnia.” However, he skipped one as he didn’t need it, and the next night, Shantel didn’t give it to him. Next, Brian brought in a journalist who was in the court hearing this week. Ben Ashford from the Daily Mail explained more.

Ashford started by describing how it’s unusual for a family court hearing to be flooded with journalists. However, given the lack of information from the FBI, they all find their facts where they can. Then, he moved on to explain that the judge wasn’t interested in all of the various motions. Instead, her interest lay with a nine-year-old daughter. Ashford noted, “The judge said, ‘I am here today. My concern is any risk or emergency action that has to be taken with regards to their youngest daughter, a 9-year-old girl.'”

Concerns For Another Girl

Obviously the concern involved the 16-year-old being around another girl. However, it turned out that the boy won’t be home, so she allowed the girl to stay where she is for now. He also told Brian:

The judge asked for a little bit more information on what’s happening with the 16-year-old and, as you say, they said that he is now living with a relative. Both parents signed a document saying they won’t disclose the boy’s whereabouts. They’re not allowed to remove the boy from that location, and the dad gave evidence today saying he had had communication with him but he hadn’t been over to the relative’s house to talk to him.

The other news that arrived is that for now, the “FBI are debating whether to charge in the federal system or the state system.” So clearly, their suspect will probably face a court one way or the other. And that, it seems, makes the case of Anna Kepner a possible murder.

Reactions In The Comments

In the discussion area, one viewer opined, “He was 16, not 6, he should be arrested already. If you can murder your step sister, you are a very dangerous person.”

Here are a few more responses:

• It’s sickening how they can say no SA. You can still be assaulted without someone leaving DNA or marks for goodness sake. He could have still had his grubby hands all over her. How can people be so stupid. They knew this boy was a beast and gave him free reign.
• It’s crazy how much time has elapsed and no charges.
• I think the sixteen year old, needs to be tried as an adult.
• This is ridiculous. Step brother in room with his step sister she is dead he goes to live comfortably with a relative.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below, and remember to come back here often for all your true crime news and updates.