by Titusville, FL — The father of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, the Florida high school senior found dead aboard the Carnival Horizon earlier this month, says he wants his 16-year-old stepson to be held fully accountable if federal investigators determine he played a role in her shocking death.
Father Speaks Out as Investigation Continues
In an emotional interview, 41-year-old Christopher Kepner told People magazine that he does not defend any actions his stepson may have taken.
“I do not stand behind what my stepson has done,” Kepner said. “I want him to face the consequences, and I will be fighting to make sure that does happen.”
However, when asked whether he believes the teen actually harmed his daughter, Kepner avoided a direct accusation.
“I cannot say that he is responsible, but I can’t decline,” he told the outlet, noting that the FBI must determine the truth through evidence.
Anna’s Mysterious Death on the Carnival Horizon
Anna Kepner, a cheerleader and student at Temple Christian School in Titusville, was on a family cruise with her father, stepmother, siblings, stepsiblings, and grandparents when tragedy struck. She was last seen alive on Nov. 6, during a family dinner aboard the ship.
On Nov. 7, a cabin housekeeper discovered her body hidden under her bed, wrapped in a blanket and covered with life vests.
A death certificate later revealed her cause of death: “mechanical asphyxiation by other person(s)”, officially ruling the case a homicide.
Stepson Identified in Filings as Potential Suspect
The 16-year-old stepbrother, who shared a cabin with Anna, was mentioned in unrelated court paperwork as a possible “suspect,” though federal investigators have not publicly confirmed that status.
Kepner described the boy as “a normal kid,” saying he “would’ve never thought any of this would’ve happened.”
But he also acknowledged that his stepson was the only person in the room with Anna during the time she was believed to have been killed.
Sibling Says He Heard Disturbing Noises
Anna’s 14-year-old brother told investigators he heard “yelling” and “chairs being thrown” while Anna and the stepbrother were alone in their stateroom. The three siblings were sharing the room during the cruise.
The younger brother unknowingly slept only feet away from Anna’s concealed body that night, not realizing she was already dead.
Ex-Boyfriend’s Family Claims Prior Concerns
Adding to concerns, Joshua Westin, Anna’s ex-boyfriend, told investigators that Anna confided months earlier that she did “not feel safe” around her stepbrother.
According to Westin’s father, Anna allegedly said the stepbrother was obsessed with her, had sexually harassed her, and frequently carried a large knife. “She was scared he would do something to her,” Westin’s father said.
These statements have not yet been corroborated by federal authorities.
A Promising Future Cut Short
Anna, described by loved ones as a devout Christian, had been baptized in May. She was preparing to graduate this school year and dreamed of joining the U.S. Navy with hopes of becoming a K9 police officer in the future.
Her death has left her family and community devastated as they await answers from the FBI.
The agency has not released new details about suspects, timelines, or additional evidence, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
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