The devastated father of Anna Kepner, the 18-year-old cheerleader found dead aboard a Caribbean cruise ship, has declared he will ‘fight’ to ensure her teenage stepbrother is held accountable if investigators determine he played a role in her death.
Anna’s father, Christopher Kepner, 41, told People that his 16-year-old stepson is possibly under investigation in connection with the case and said he will not shield him should criminal charges follow.
‘I do not stand behind what my stepson has done,’ Kepner said. ‘I want him to face the consequences… I will be fighting to make sure that does happen.’
The explosive statement comes as the FBI continues probing what authorities have now ruled a homicide after Anna’s body lifeless body was found by a housekeeper onboard the ship.
She had been hidden beneath a bed inside the cabin she shared with her 16-year-old stepbrother and her 14-year-old younger half-brother on the Carnival Horizon.
Her official death certificate states she was ‘mechanically asphyxiated by other person(s).’
Authorities explained the term as meaning the cause of death was asphyxiation via a bar hold and that arm was pressed across her neck.
Kepner said the last time he saw his daughter alive was on November 6, when the blended family had gathered for dinner aboard the ship as it sailed between Mexico and Florida.
Anna Kepner was found dead at 11.17am on November 7 while she was on a Carnival cruise ship with her family
Anna’s father, Christopher Kepner, 41, said his 16-year-old stepson is possibly under investigation in connection with the case
