Father Demands Accountability as FBI Investigates Stepson in 18-Year-Old’s Cruise Ship Death

Key points: Christopher Kepner says his 16-year-old stepson should "face the consequences" if investigators find he played a role in the death of his 18-year-old daughter, Anna, who was found Nov. 7 aboard the Carnival Horizon. Authorities say the death was ruled a homicide by "mechanical asphyxiation," though experts caution that finding alone does not guarantee criminal charges. The FBI is leading the probe; no suspects have been publicly named and no arrests have been made.

04:12 PM, 11/28/2025Society

Father Demands Accountability as FBI Investigates Stepson in 18-Year-Old’s Cruise Ship Death

Christopher Kepner says his 16-year-old stepson should "face the consequences" if investigators determine the teen played a role in the death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, who was found dead aboard the Carnival Horizon on Nov. 7 during a family vacation.

Relatives say Anna was discovered in a cabin she shared with her stepbrother, wrapped in a blanket and covered with life jackets. Authorities have said the death was ruled a homicide by "mechanical asphyxiation." Mechanical asphyxia describes a condition in which an external force obstructs breathing, though experts note that the finding does not automatically prove criminal intent.

"I want him to face the consequences … I will be fighting to make sure that does happen," Kepner said, while stopping short of directly accusing the stepson of responsibility. "I cannot say that he is responsible, but I can’t decline."

Investigation Underway

The FBI is leading the investigation. No suspects have been publicly named and no arrests have been announced. In unrelated custody filings, the teen’s parents identified him as a potential suspect, but prosecutors have not filed charges.

Dr. Priya Banerjee, a board-certified forensic pathologist, explains that mechanical asphyxiation indicates breathing was blocked by an external force. Dr. Michael Baden, a former chief medical examiner, has noted that this determination does not automatically equate to a criminal prosecution—prosecutors must weigh the evidence and intent before filing charges.

Kepner told investigators he trusts the FBI to gather and present the necessary evidence. "He was the only one that was in the room, and the FBI has an ongoing investigation in which they will have to provide the evidence to say that he did do it or did not do this," he said. "Right now, my best course of action is to let the FBI do what they’re doing. When they make the arrest, then we’ll start seeing the justice side of things."

Remembering Anna

Anna Kepner was a high school varsity cheerleader who planned to enlist in the Navy after graduation and hoped to work one day as a K-9 police officer. Family members and community members have expressed shock and grief as authorities continue their probe.

At this stage, investigators have not released a full timeline or detailed forensic findings. The case remains active, and officials are expected to provide updates as the investigation progresses.