Anna Kepner’s family say her stepbrother has been charged with murdering teen on cruise ship | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload ourSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleCraig HoyleTuesday 24 February 2026 15:33 GMTAnna Kepner was found wrapped in a blanket (Temple Christian School)The body of 18-year-old Anna Kepner was discovered on a Carnival cruise ship, with federal officials believing her 16-year-old stepbrother killed her.Court documents from an ongoing custody dispute between the stepbrother's parents confirm he was charged with Anna's murder by the United States Attorney in the Southern District of Florida on 3 February 2026.Anna's death was ruled a homicide by asphyxiation, and her body was found wrapped in a blanket and covered in lifejackets under a bed in a room she shared with her stepbrother.The stepbrother, who is a minor, appeared in federal court in Miami on 6 February, with the ongoing case currently sealed.The FBI has jurisdiction over the investigation as Anna was a US citizen and her death occurred in international waters.In fullFamily of slain teen Anna Kepner confirms her stepbrother is now charged with murderThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in