Life jackets could hold DNA clues in Anna Kepner cruise-ship death

Investigators are focusing on life jackets and other items found draped over 18-year-old Anna Kepner’s body aboard the Carnival Horizon, believing they could contain DNA and other forensic evidence that helps explain how she died.

What investigators are examining

Pat Diaz, a former Miami-Dade homicide detective now working as a private investigator, said authorities are likely to test the life jackets, bedding and anything else recovered from the cabin, along with samples from Kepner’s body. Items used to cover a body or handled by a perpetrator can retain sweat, skin cells and other trace material that forensic teams can analyze.

What is known so far

According to preliminary reports, examiners observed bruising and signs consistent with asphyxiation by chokehold, though the official cause and manner of death have not been determined. A source familiar with the investigation said toxicology and other laboratory testing were still pending.

Timeline and investigative status

Kepner, an 18-year-old who had planned to join the Navy, was found in her cabin at about 11 a.m. on Nov. 7. Her remains were transferred to the Miami-Dade County medical examiner’s office after the ship returned to port the next day. Federal investigators have been involved and have not publicly disclosed the full scope of their findings.

Family, witnesses and potential leads

Kepner was part of a large blended family. Court filings in an unrelated custody dispute indicate the parents of a 16-year-old stepbrother say federal agents have treated him as a person of interest. Family members and acquaintances have offered conflicting accounts about interactions between Kepner and the teenager, including claims that he behaved in ways some considered troubling.

“I was like, ‘What the hell are you doing in her room?’ Then he got scared and ran away,” said an acquaintance who said he saw the stepbrother briefly on a late-night video call with Kepner.

Anna’s step-grandfather, Chris Donohue, said the stepsiblings had shared the cabin. Former FBI agent Nicole Parker noted that investigations involving juveniles can add logistical complications—for example, juveniles may be treated differently in federal custody—but that serious cases can still lead to federal or adult charges depending on the evidence.

Next steps

Forensic teams will continue DNA and trace-evidence testing on the life jackets, blankets and other items from the cabin. Those results, along with toxicology and a final medical examiner ruling, will be central to determining whether foul play occurred and to identifying any suspects. Because many findings require lab analysis and legal review, investigators are proceeding methodically.

Authorities have not announced any charges. The investigation remains active and officials have declined further public comment.