The FBI has told the stepmother of 18-year-old Anna Kepner that investigators "may initiate" a criminal case against one of her minor children, according to an emergency divorce-court filing. Kepner was found dead in her cabin aboard the Carnival Horizon when the ship returned to Miami on Nov. 8; law enforcement sources say her body was discovered beneath the bed. Investigators are reviewing surveillance, swipe-card logs and cellphone records, and the Miami FBI is coordinating the probe because the death occurred in international waters. No charges have been announced.
FBI May Seek Charges Against Stepsibling in Death of 18-Year-Old Aboard Carnival Horizon
The FBI has told the stepmother of 18-year-old Anna Kepner that investigators "may initiate" a criminal case against one of her minor children, according to an emergency divorce-court filing. Kepner was found dead in her cabin aboard the Carnival Horizon when the ship returned to Miami on Nov. 8; law enforcement sources say her body was discovered beneath the bed. Investigators are reviewing surveillance, swipe-card logs and cellphone records, and the Miami FBI is coordinating the probe because the death occurred in international waters. No charges have been announced.
12:38 PM, 11/19/2025Society
FBI investigators have informed the stepmother of 18-year-old Anna Kepner that "a criminal case may be initiated" against one of her minor children, according to an emergency motion filed in the stepmother's divorce proceedings. The motion asks to postpone a hearing because the respondent cannot testify while the matter is under active criminal review.
Incident and investigation
Kepner, a Florida high school cheerleader, was found dead in her stateroom aboard the Carnival Horizon as the ship returned to Miami on Nov. 8. Law enforcement sources say a housekeeper discovered her body beneath the bed. Family members say she had felt unwell the night before and returned to her room; when she missed breakfast the next morning, a search began.
What investigators are reviewing
Authorities are reviewing onboard surveillance footage and electronic swipe-card records that could show who entered the cabin, and are also examining Kepner's cellphone records. The FBI and ship security have interviewed passengers, crew members and family as part of the inquiry. Carnival Cruise Line has said it is cooperating with federal investigators.
The FBI has jurisdiction because Kepner was a U.S. citizen and the death occurred in international waters; the Miami FBI office is leading the federal component of the probe. No criminal charges have been announced publicly, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Note: Out of respect for the family and the integrity of the investigation, authorities have released only limited details. Further updates will depend on investigative and legal developments.